Lots to do, from sports to volunteering

Since it first opened its doors in 2011, the Niagara-on-the-Lake community centre has been a hub of town activity. Fittingly, last Thursday the Anderson Lane space was a perfect host to an open house for residents to find out more about activities that take place at town facilities. 

A small grant from the non-profit ParticipACTION allowed the parks and recreation department to plan and host the session that gathered representatives from numerous organizations that offer chances for residents to stay active. 

“It was a Community Better Challenge grant,” said town recreation supervisor Dan Maksenuk. “We got $650 and we brainstormed what to do with it. The thought was, coming out of the pandemic, with many folks new to the town, let’s have an open house for all the activities that take place not just here in the community centre but in all town facilities.”

“What a great way to reintroduce services that the town provides in the community as we come out of COVID,” Lord Mayor Betty Disero said. “We have so many new residents every year, and many don’t know what’s available.”

It all came together in a very short time. Once the town was informed of their successful application, they reached out to community groups on June 17 with an invitation to participate. 

Representatives from minor hockey, the NOTL Soccer Club, various badminton groups, Newark Neighbours, the NOTL Tennis and Skating Clubs, the Niagara Predators, Autumn Leaf Tai Chi and the NOTL Gatekeepers, among others, lined the auditorium Thursday. Visitors sauntered in and circulated around, asking questions and picking up information sheets from some of the groups. 

“It’s been a good turnout,” a pleased Makesenuk told The Local, with just under an hour left to go. “I think we’ve had about 150 to 200 people come out so far. We’re happy with how it’s turned out.” 

NOTL manager of customer experience and communications Lauren Kruitbosch added that it didn’t take long for the goodie bags being offered by the town to the first 50 visitors to be claimed. 

Representatives from each of the senior men’s, women’s and co-ed badminton clubs were in attendance at the open house. Though the three clubs do not operate during the summer months they were there to encourage new members to join for the fall sessions held at the Community Centre. 

Pat Hicks and Marilyn Rickard were staffing the table for Newark Neighbours. Besides promoting the need for donations to their food bank and thrift shop, they were encouraging newcomers to consider filling out a volunteer application. 

Apoena Becker and his family moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake with his wife Eloisa and three-year-old daughter Mara last August. Because many programs were on hold at that time the family really didn’t know what was out there for Mara as far as activities. They appreciated the opportunity to visit the open house where a number of options for their family were all on display.

“We came to the library a lot,” Eloisa said of the past year, “but we’re hoping to get more out of the community centre now that summer is here and Mara’s on vacation.” 

“It’s hard to find activities for her age,” added Apoena. “Most of the ones we were able to find were for ages six and up. She’s a COVID baby, up until just a few months ago she’s had very little contact with anybody. We hope to get her socializing with other kids more.”