Managing Director’s Message

In September 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic still loomed large and was most certainly the biggest factor impacting service levels, members, programs and staff. Despite the ongoing restrictions and public health requirements, we began our fiscal year with hope. The hope that the pandemic would subside, the hope to fully reopen, the hope to get back to a sense of normal operations, and the hope to fully welcome back our communities.

For the first six months we continued to deal with change, delivering facilities and programs in hybrid model formats. Fall 2021 brought the new vaccine requirement, then scanning QR codes. Westside would need to focus on re-establishing its staff team. Annual members reactivated their memberships when they felt comfortable doing so, but thousands remained on hold.

Throughout the year, we continually strived to offer as much as could to as many as could, knowing the need for healthy activity and recreation outlets was significant. Careful management assured members, guests and staff that their health and wellness was at the forefront of every decision. Demand for leisure activities steadily increased month by month, returning to normal usage levels by April 2022.

A survey conducted late in the year indicates that satisfaction levels with Westside’s delivery of facilities, programs, services, and customer care actually increased when compared to our last survey in 2014. We’re proud of those results. They are a testament to the Westside team’s effort, care and commitment to our entire community. Today, annual memberships and visitor numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Thank you to our members, guests, stakeholders and staff who have stayed with us during these uncertain times and supported us in countless ways. Your commitment helped us to remain open and a vital resource to those we serve.

“Careful management assured members, guests and staff that their health and wellness was at the forefront of every decision.”

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