Saturday night was all about community at the Chestermere Rec Centre. A three day makeover consisting of paint, décor and a refurbished outdoor space by CRCA board members and volunteers gave the aging hub a fresh new look and feel. To celebrate the transformation, the CRCA hosted a packed Southern Style BBQ that was enjoyed by over 500 people throughout the day and into the evening on May 23rd.
According to Jed Snatic, Vice President for the CRCA, the Meet and Greet event was a positive turning point in the legacy of the CRCA & Recreation Centre. “This was about connection with our residents, sharing ideas and support for our new Team and facility” said Snatic.
A new General Manager was announced and introduced on Saturday; Todd Muir was raised in Innisfail and brings with him 25 years of recreational management experience. Muir commented that he is excited about the potential for the Chestermere Recreation Centre. “The CRCA board has full confidence in Todd’s ability to lead the community centre into this new era,” stated Snatic.
“Change is the hot topic and a new evolution has begun at our beloved Recreation Centre,” said Snatic. “This is a plea to all local residents, we are taking on a large commitment to enhance our Rec. Centre and grounds. We firmly believe, the speed of this transformation will be dictated by volunteerism.”
Snatic added that the CRCA board is banking on local goodwill, skills and knowledge to help them build on the heart and soul of our city. “Community builders we need your help.”
Chestermere’s own Keister Family Fiddlers and Minerva, the Calgary trio who specialize in intricate harmonies and folk style story-telling songs performed early in the evening, entertaining everyone with their beautiful music. Later in the evening Comedian Kris LaBelle took the stage.
Many people in attendance talked about how nice it was to see the community center come alive again with so many great ideas for the future. “The CRCA team knocked it out of the park yesterday,” commented one facebook user.
Another facebook post said “What a generous initiative of the CRCA folk to dedicate endless hours and the volunteers to make last night happen. It is the ONLY facility in town and without everyone getting involved in some say, we will be struggling as our population explodes here. Great job! Great people! Fabulous Night!!! Thank you.”
To find out more about the future plans of the CRCA, you are invited to join the Special General Meeting on Wednesday June 10 at the Chestermere Rec Centre at 6:30pm. Please contact Cyndi King-Deck at cyndideck@hotmail.com for more information.
