On May 7 at 7:30 p.m. the Arcola School Community Council will be holding a public meeting focusing on future plans regarding the school gymnasium.
Discussions concerning renovations of the gym have been going on for a number of years. Concerns about the gym floor's unforgiving nature; the low ceiling interfering with sports competitions such as volleyball; and the insulation that covers the ceiling which falls to the ground if hit were all topics to initially spark discussion.
As the years went by more serious issues began to arise making renovations or possibly the construction of a new facility imminent. Much of the gym will have to be redone including the flooring, bathrooms, locker rooms, lights, and the storage room.
The showers in the girl's change room have not worked for quite some time, the sink and vanity within the washrooms as well as the door frames are in disrepair. The tiles on the gym floor are fractured and the entire floor is warped. Concerns regarding mold within the storage room and possibly in the bathrooms has also created dialogue. In addition the general foundation that the gymnasium sits on has begun to crumble and rot away.
This is why the School Community Council wants to hear from the public, what is it they want to see in their community?
At the meeting will be Teresa Johnston, the School Community Council Chairperson, and Arcola School Principal Kevin Hengen. Other school division personnel will also be in attendance to further discuss the possible changes to the Arcola School gymnasium.
Looking for ideas the meeting on May 7 will be held in the gym with refreshments and cake served to those interested in voicing what they think should be done and suggesting fundraising ideas to help the project come to fruition.
"We want it to be a real community event," Johnston explained.
Currently ideas for fundraising include a possible dinner theatre, auction, and bingoes; but, they are open to suggestions and want the public to have their input in what they want to see.
The gym facilitates weight lifting, recreational sports nights, school sports, club sports, the elementary school's Christmas plays, and much more.
"So, we want the community to be involved. The more people with ideas will help the board come up with an action plan," Johnston stated.
The School Community Council is hoping to see many people out for the meeting.
"Let's show the world that volunteerism is not dead... something like this can really bring a community together while making the school a better place. It will give the kids something they can take pride in and look after for their kid's kids," Johnston said.
The Arcola School recently hosted 2A volleyball provincials for the senior boy's team and intend to host provincials for the senior girl's team in the near future as well. During fundraising efforts for the senior boys to host provincials all excess money was marked for gym repairs or building a new gym. Overall the School Community Council holds $8,000, which was raised through this means.
Vice Principal Eugene Brown is hopeful that the community will rally together to discuss plans for the building. Brown coaches a number of teams including the senior boys volleyball team that hosted provincials and is an advocate for change in regards to the gym. Brown's teams all utilize the facility and he believes in the importance of a well rounded education including sport.
Sports not only teach a healthy lifestyle to youth, but encourage important values such as teamwork, determination, and being able to succeed under pressure.
"We hope to see a lot of people come out in support of this venture," Brown said. "If we're going to go for it then it is important to have the community behind us."
