I find the facilities at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC) to be first class for all ages.
However, the facilities that Seniors on the Bow (SOTB) currently occupies at SLSFSC – a 5,000 sq-ft second floor area – is increasingly inadequate for the use of its members:
A) Geography – travelling to SLSFSC along Griffin Road during the winter months/evenings is an issue for older SOTB members. In addition, finding a parking space at SLSFSC is a contest especially when the three ice arenas are in use.
B) Access to the second Floor – climb the stairs or use the elevator. Using the elevator is a significant walk for seniors with mobility issues. A second elevator is scheduled to be installed in 2018, however its proposed location will be of little use to SOTB members. SOTB pledged $25,000 toward its cost during 2016.
C) Design of current space – a large auditorium and kitchen area consume approximately 75 per cent of the space (an estimate). These spaces are underutilized during the afternoon and evening periods. The balance of the space (multi-purpose room) is home to an office; reception area; a kitchenette; a long coffee table; a washroom; a fire place; numerous chairs; one pool table and one shuffleboard table. This room is the hub of the major SOTB activities such as card games; chair fitness; and jam sessions. It is too small and the result of poor planning.
Wish list (personal opinion) – a downtown location, on the ground floor, with adequate parking and meaningful consultation concerning its design.
Keith Boothe
