By Heather Killen
The Spectator
NovaNewsNow.com
It looks like the Fundy YMCA is on its way to making a splash in Cornwallis Park.
The anticipated opening of the new Fundy YMCA is a little closer now that renovations to the former Lifeplex Centre are underway and the facility is in the process of hiring staff for key positions.
A job fair May 5 invited applicants for positions such as aquatics and youth director, centre manager, membership and program director, as well as swimming instructors, lifeguards, cleaning staff, and other administrative support positions.
Yvonne Smith, of the YMCA, said that the job fair generated a great deal of interest as applicants were lined up before the doors opened and traffic was nonstop for the first few hours.
Recently, the County of Annapolis announced that Roscoe Construction Ltd. was awarded the contract for the Fundy Y renovation project. The space is being redesigned to reduce the number of administrative offices and open up more programmable space, according to Smith. It is hoped the facility will be operational by July.
“The idea is make the space open and welcoming so that people will want to come and participate,” she said. “It’s a design that we know works.”
The pool and walking track only need minor attention, she said. The pool was being drained and will soon have fresh paint, while the walking track will have added security features. The main work will be done inside to open up the offices into a fitness area.
Last December, Annapolis County council gave a go-ahead for the YMCA, after the capital campaign raised about $470,000 of the $500,000 needed. Council said it was optimistic the remainder would be found. The facility also needs funding to enhance the fitness equipment.
County council also invited area residents to help choose the new name for the centre in Cornwallis to coincide with the grand opening.
Cornwallis Park Homeowners Association submitted a list of possible names that include Cornwallis Park Centre, Fundy Park Place, Fundy Place, Fundy Centre, and Basinview Centre.
