Photo supplied.
The walking track is clearly visible along the perimeter of the walls above the rink surface in the new community centre.
Driving by the township office these days you can almost see the walls of the new community centre go up. The building is almost completely enclosed, with the translucent glazing installed on the upper level, the roof and most of the walls are now in place.
In his presentation to Council last month, architect Marc Downing brought Council up to date on the status of the project, reporting that it has encountered very few unexpected issues to date. Downing expressed confidence that the project contingency allowance will be adequate and that the project will be completed on time and on budget.
Downing’s presentation featured photos and updated conceptual designs including overhead views provided by the Township’s drone, bringing the project to life. In January the piping for the ice slab will be installed, along with the elevator and other fixtures. Interior framing and electrical work is scheduled for February, with the rink slab poured the following month. Interior finishing begins in April, with the outside finishing including paving, landscaping and play structure will be installed in the summer, with the grand opening of the facility planned for the end of August.
There are still some decisions ahead regarding some of the project components. An outdoor playing area on the north side of the building is included in the budget. Two playground equipment providers are currently in contention; one providing prefabricated play structures while the other develops customized play areas.
There are also plans to have a donor wall incorporated into the building to recognize project sponsors but the specifics of that feature have yet to be ironed out. Signage styles for rooms and the building exterior have not been established, either. Because these items present revenue-generating opportunities, there is a temptation to go overboard and in the NASCAR tradition, plaster every surface with donor recognition images to maximize donations. Downing suggested that Council exercise restraint in this area, in hopes of preserving the current elegant and attractive presentation of the facility.
Security cameras are incorporated into the building plans and after some research it was determined that cameras designed to record on-ice activity presented unwelcome challenges and should only be brought in by user groups for their own purposes. Just eight more months until the doors open on this much anticipated new facility. KG
