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Innisfil is considering which facilities justify having improvements that are required, to make them more feasible.
The Stroud Arena has consistently been underutilized for years. Unfortunately, it has become a white elephant, and it is definitely better than the limited usage that occurs there.
Is it worth the money to improve and maintain it? Yes. The community needs it.
The Morgan Russell Memorial Arena and Community Centre in Lefroy is another underutilized facility in Innisfil. This is an excellent arena, with a good ice surface and good bones. The dressing rooms, however, should be redesigned and renovated accordingly. The staff have always maintained the arena in a first-class manner.
Lefroy is undergoing a residential, building expansion, and along with new housing comes an increase in population. A community centre is a definite necessity. The Morgan Russell arena could definitely be used for various activities, not just ice skating and hockey. Programs have to be available, locally, that are within easy reach of the residents.
Our council has the perfect example of what not to do:
The Innisfil Recreation Centre is as good as any community centre anywhere. It is a very busy centre, with a lot of various programs. However, the location is not ideal. The bulk of residents live a distance from the centre. I cannot imagine letting children ride their bicycles, along Innisfil Beach Road, to get to their program, especially at dusk or in the evening. A fantastic facility — in the middle of nowhere.
The Lefroy area is growing, and a community centre that is accessible is of the utmost importance. Otherwise, the idle children will not have anywhere to go.
We all know what comes with boredom and idle hands.
Howard Kramer
Innisfil