Pelham seniors have a lot to say about a proposed community centre.
During a forum last week sponsored by the Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee, about 60 seniors came up with more than a 150 suggestions.
They whittled it down to 12 priorities for three specific areas of the building: an arena, a multi-use area and a fitness centre.
Seniors said they wanted a well-lit parking lot with adequate handicap spaces near multiple entrances to the building.
The arena’s ice surface should have convertible flooring for other events. It must be accessible for seniors, families, handicapped and others.
The washrooms should not only be accessible but open to families because caregivers providing assistance are often spouses.
The seniors said a multi-purpose area should ensure flexible use, contain a café for socializing, a computer lab and a 300-seat auditorium with convertible seating.
In the fitness area, they want to see a therapeutic pool, trainers in a gym providing ongoing instruction, and an accessible walking track.
The fitness area, they said, should operate on a not-for-profit basis.
Doug Rapelje, who heads the Niagara Age-Friendly Community Network, gave a keynote address at the forum.
About 18% of Pelham’s population is now over age 65, he said. By 2031, that will rise to 34%.
“In planning this centre, seniors have to be seriously taken into consideration,” he said.
Judy Reid, Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee chair, said she was pleased with the results of the forum, the first event held by the recently formed committee.
“A most successful session, people were truly engaged and represented Pelham seniors from a broad scope of ‘senior ages’ as well as new and long-time residents of Pelham,” she said.
The information will be summarized, forwarded to town council and shared with the Architectural Design Advisory Committee. It is helping to design the proposed centre.
Gail Hilyer, the seniors’ committee representative on the architectural design committee, along with Sharon Cook, a member of the seniors committee and the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, will refer to the forum’s recommendations at design committee meetings, said Reid.
She praised the participants at the seniors forum, held at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 613 last Wednesday.
“All were engaged and the positive energy in the room was overwhelming at times,” she said.
“From my former education background, I can say they had done their homework and came fully prepared to participate.”
For more information about the seniors advisory committee, contact Reid at [email protected].
