Parks and rec committee discusses possible recreation ideas

By Ron Giofu

The town’s parks and recreation advisory committee met last week with part of the meeting including brainstorming for programming ideas.

New recreational programming ideas were discussed as part of last Tuesday evening’s meeting at town hall. Councillor Molly Allaire brought up several ideas but told committee members one of the comments she commonly hears is that Libro Centre program “is great, but it’s during the day.”

Allaire said many people she speaks with would participate in programming but can’t due to scheduling. She added a popular program was the golf pro program that was offered. Shopping malls and other public facilities have allowed roller skating during hours when they are closed to regular business, she said, and wondered if that could be done at the Libro Centre.

Councillor Don McArthur agreed roller skating would be a good idea and was tried before, though added it didn’t go as well as was anticipated.

“The uptake wasn’t what they hoped it would be,” said McArthur.

While people were allowed to bring rollerblades to the arena, the event suffered because there was no place to rent roller skates like at roller rinks in the past. McArthur added he would like to see more programming in Amherstburg for teenagers, citing the recent opening of a game café as an example, and believed it would be a positive if the town could promote such activities.

“Teens need a safe place to gather,” commented McArthur.

Allaire added her belief there is a need for basketball courts so children could learn the fundamentals of the sport and running programs. She also participates in ultimate frisbee programs at the Libro Centre as well and suggested they continue. The recent “Walk with Phil” paid program that sees people walk the Libro Centre trail with retired director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Phil Roberts has been a hit, she added, as Roberts is a local birder and wildlife expert.

Committee vice chair Brinton Sharmon added volleyball is another program that could be further investigated, suggesting exploring partnerships with local schools.

“I think there might be interest in that,” said Sharman.

Sharman added his focus was on indoor volleyball, but beach volleyball could also be an option for people if courts ever were established in Amherstburg.

Clerk Kevin Fox stated the ideas will be placed on the committee’s workplan for consideration as the term progresses with manager of parks and naturalized areas Annette Zahaluk stating the ideas will also be forward to recreation staff for their consideration as well.