After more than two decades of work and partnerships, today is the day for the highly-anticipated public “grand reveal” of the Sunny Life Recreation and Wellness Centre in Campbellford.
The Municipality of Trent Hills and YMCA Northumberland jointly announced the grand reveal open house event was set for today – Friday, Dec. 13 – from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The multi-million-dollar, 66,000-square-foot facility on Seymour Quarry Road is now officially all set to serve as a cornerstone for wellness, connection, and more in the Trent Hills region.
“The community expressed their interest in having a new recreation centre with an indoor pool almost 20 years ago, and that’s when the work started to make this day happen,” recalled Trent Hills Mayor Bob Crate, while thanking all who’ve supported the project over the years.
“I am so pleased to extend a warm welcome to this amazing facility,” continued Crate. “I invite you to come and see all that it has to offer and enjoy the sense of community pride you feel when you walk through the doors.”
Among its many perks, the new facility features a municipally-operated arena with “an NHL-sized ice pad.”
The centre will also house a new YMCA Northumberland location, translating to Y-run aquatic facilities, including a warming pool and a four-lane, 25-metre pool, a fully equipped conditioning centre, versatile changerooms, studios, multi-purpose spaces, and more.
YMCA Northumberland President and CEO Eunice Kirkpatrick tells us the Y will operate about 33,000 square feet within the municipally-owned facility and anticipates long-term health benefits for the community at large.
“We’re just delighted to be part of the Trent Hills community,” said Kirkpatrick, while delving into what she sees as the key takeaway for residents when it comes to new Y services.
Kirkpatrick told us more about what people can expect when it comes to those new, year-round supports for residents.
Kirkpatrick added there will be a lot of options for other fitness activities, including a wide range of classes geared to all ages – and lots of space for all this action.
“We also want to look at developing the youth programming, (and) pre-schooling programming where we have the multi-purpose space use as well, so just really happy to provide what the community is looking for,” summarized Kirkpatrick.
So, what’s in store for the grand reveal open house event? Organizers say it’s an exciting lineup.
In addition to opening ceremonies to mark the occasion, there will be free skating, an open swim and fitness class demonstrations, to name just a few of the highlights.
Kirkpatrick says you won’t want to miss it – and tells us a little more about the big day.
There will also be kids’ activities for families and light refreshments.
Kirkpatrick called the new Y Campbellford location a milestone achievement when it comes to fostering stronger communities.
“This new space is more than just a building – it’s a place where individuals and families can come together to grow, connect, and thrive. We are excited to welcome everyone to this incredible facility and look forward to the lasting impact it will have on the area.”
Attendees are being encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or an unwrapped toy in support of the Trent Hills Fire Department’s food and toy drive.
The event is free and open to all who are eager to see firsthand the transformative impact the new facility is anticipated to have when it comes to local recreation and wellness.
Just ahead of the big reveal, Kirkpatrick also reflected on the years that the Y has been working with Trent Hills, describing a strong relationship.
“When they approached us for the partnership, it really was a great fit and we’re delighted to work in partnership (with them), and you know, for rural Ontario, this is great,” said Kirkpatrick. “People won’t have to travel 45 minutes out of town for recreation at this point, so it’s bringing recreation closer to rural communities in Ontario.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
