Walter Baker centre wraps up renovations, Improvements made to gym and aquatic centre to be shown off on Feb. 17

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Brier Dodge

EMC news - Renovations are ready to be unveiled at the Walter Baker Sports Centre.

A grand re-opening will be on Feb. 17 from 9 to 4 p.m. for members to take tours, review fitness goals, watch demonstrations and have a coffee.

There will be free access to the weights and cardio rooms that day, as well as a free swim from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Diving, synchronized swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving demonstrations will happen throughout the day, as well as special activities during the swim period.

The upper gym was closed from Nov. 14 to Dec. 2 for renovations, including new resistance machines, benches, barbells, paint and lighting.

"We've chosen a day where the (public) schools are closed, so we do expect that families will be coming over to use the pool," said fitness co-ordinator Kristy Kilcup. "We're hoping we'll be able to show them some of the improvements that we've made to the gym."

The aquatic centre closed for seven weeks at the end of 2011 and repaired fixtures and tiling in the shower rooms, as well as cleaning and painting. The pool also saw the waterslide reconditioned and plumbing set up for ultraviolet filters to be installed.

"The members have been here for a very long time, so it just shows the members that we are spending the money wisely on repairs and renovations," said Kilcup, adding that the variety of clients continues to grow.

Built in 1980, the Walter Baker Sports Centre was designed to meet the recreational needs of the Barrhaven community.

The 18-square-metre building offered five squash courts, three meeting halls, three pools and two arenas.