Our local Leisure Centre has been getting a major facelift and expansion adding over 42,000 sq. ft. to the building over the past year. The town is growing fast and the original facility was just not big enough to provide the needs of the population.
The public library relocated to a rental space for a few months over the winter so the original library area could be expanded to twice it's original size and last week the new and improved library space opened to the public.
The shelf ends are still to be installed. Lots of convenient work spaces and glass cubicles for meetings and study. Electric points at every table. And there's even a coffee vending machine and an enclosed outdoor courtyard where you can sit and drink your cuppa java.
A colourful lounge area for just sitting and reading. Computers for kids, and lots of children's literature on those lower shelves.
The new open seating viewing area for the swimming pool. The pool has been in use for a number of years but the area for parents to watch their children's swimming lessons was very small and cramped, this is so much nicer.
A peek through the window at the shiny floor of the new gymnasium. And the fitness and aerobics centre has been expanded with new equipment and exercise rooms.
During the summer, the final construction will be completed with the Art Gallery moving from it's current location into a larger space at the Leisure Centre.
My tax money well spent, I think!
That is well spent. It feels open and cheerful.
ReplyDeleteWe're in the process of getting a new main branch here, but it'll take awhile.
What a fabulous facility! Libraries are closing over here - partly, to be fair, because they are often under-used. Shame!
ReplyDeleteWell I'm impressed. This is a super facility and it's going to be a wonderful asset to your community. Re your question as to what bikers eat for breakfast: They eat what other people eat, only their meat is a lot tougher and their eggs are overcooked! :)
ReplyDeleteI am very, very impressed. And a little envious. We are much better at closing such useful centres here than we are at expanding them.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Shammi. A beautiful space for the community!
ReplyDeleteThere are some advantages to population growth.
ReplyDeleteHey my friend! This is in re your comment on Ocala: The first time I'd ever seen the Fox Squirrel was about 6-7 years ago at the Stone Creek Community. My friends and I had just started out on the first hole of the golf course and I saw this creature running across the fairway about 150 yards away. I thought for sure it was a fox and said so...it looked like a fox in so many ways, but something was off. Then it disappeared. Later, I told someone about it and he explained it was a Fox Squirrel which does indeed look like a fox (from a distance) and runs like a fox.
ReplyDeleteSince then, I've seen a lot of them in the Ocala area. On one golf course, they snuck into the golf cart and stole our treats (candy bars, etc.) Crows do that as a matter of course, but this was the first time I'd seen a squirrel do it. And as I said they are much less fearful of humans than the usual little grey squirrels we also have around here.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it! :)
Absolutely! I should imagine a space like this will be much appreciated and well used by the community Shammi. Sometimes councils do get it right 😀
ReplyDeleteYour local Leisure Centre looks great, just wonderful! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours a lovely Sunday!
Wow, this is an amazing Leisure Centre.
ReplyDeleteWhen everything is going digital it's so encouraging to see an actual library growing and expanding.
I really like the seating areas and coffee while browsing is a fantastic idea. Love the indoor pool with viewing area...super..
It looks to be a great project, that will be enjoyed for many years.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the library!