Reserves to fund parks and recreation enhancements

Posted January 31, 2012

A fitness centre component at the New Tecumseth Recreation Centre, a steam/sauna room in Tottenham, lights to extend the use of Rotary Pool longer into the evening, a skateboard park in Beeton, and an adventure playground expansion at Tottenham Conservation Area, were among the enhancements councillors approved last night for 2012 funding.

The budget allocations, which will be funded mostly from reserves - final sources are still to be confirmed - are part of a new focus that builds on the Town's facilities to bolster programs and services that appeal beyond the ice rental business, yet still generate enough revenue to help cover their costs.

The largest of the commitments involves redesigning the community room at the NTRC and turn it into a fitness area, with equipment, as well as rejigging the layout of the Hornet's Nest restaurant that includes a retractable wall to create more programming space as part of the wellness push. It also includes a new security gate that will seal off the bar area, and open the space when the business is closed.

Tottenham's fitness centre, which has exceeded department projections with over 1,000 members, is going to get a steam room.

"We created a pretty good business plan for that facility," said Parks and Recreation Manager Ray Osmond during last night's three hour budget working session. "It's a value added feature that will keep people coming back, and buying memberships."

It's the same logic applied to the Tottenham Conservation Area, which missed out on a $100,000 splash pad, but will get a playground similar to that located in Alliston's Riverdale Park. The notion is adding features that appeal to children, will increase the viability of the Conservation Area as a camping facility beyond just the weekends, and special events.

"We want to attract families," said Mr. Osmond. "We want to put the Conservation Area on the map."

Parks, Recreation and Culture underwent the start of reorganization last week which resulted in three job cuts, but will include two new specialized positions focused on rebranding the program. The plan includes the following:

Re-develop facilities to better meet the growing needs of the community;
Recruit and re-organize staff to address the changing program delivery model;
Review and re-organize the current fees and charges structure to recognize cost and value for service. Grow revenues and create more efficient costing/business models;
Develop a Department Marketing Strategy that enhances communication with the community. i.e. branding, website design, brochure design, signage etc.
Encourage adoption of a five year Capital Budget concept that builds on community growth;
Grow new programs and services;
Develop multi-use facilities to capitalize on cross programming benefits;
Develop new and innovative partnerships;
Distinguish our Town from the generic view in the region;
Encourage community connectivity, health, well-being and inclusiveness;
Destination New Tecumseth: including unique offerings in Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham;
Recreation, Parks and Culture are part of the Tourism Strategy.

The long term plan includes development of a new recreation centre in Beeton, and expansion of the NTRC.

Among the items left out of the 2012 budget, is the estimated $20,000 required for structural fixes at the Alliston Arena.

"It's not something that's going to fall down tomorrow," said Mr. Osmond.

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