HomeMy WebLinkAbout376"Article copied from Pickering Profile [magazine], 1971, page 27.
Illustration: Don Beer Arena.
Recreation under the leadership of excellent volunteer workers has been an intregal part of the
life of Pickering Township for many years. As the need for additional recreational facilities and
programmes became evident, the Pickering Township Council sought a Director of Parks and
Recreation and hired David Bass in January 1970. However, the expansion of the Parks and
Recreation Department had begun prior to the appointment of Mr. Bass and is presently
expanding even further to meet the changing needs of our citizens.
In September 1970 the new Don Beer Sports Arena opened its doors to the public,
and under the leadership of the Arena Manager, Mr. Tom Quinn, his competent staff,
and the many volunteers who lead such activities, as hockey, ringette and figure skating,
the Arena has progressed to the point of being the centre of activity for many residents of
Pickering Township.
The new Indoor Swimming Pool will be under construction shortly, and will be situated between
Dunbarton and Woodlands Schools. This facility will serve many of our families who enjoy the
water year round.
Another major development programme underway within the Township is the acquisition and
development of park lands. The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is
acquiring open space for passive use, while the Township is securing park land to serve our
outdoor athletic needs, with each agency complementing each . other. One such athletic field
will be located on M.T.R.C.A. lands, on Moores' Road, West Shore, while the second such
project will be situation on Hydro land, Sandy Beach Road. A grounds improvement programme
will be undertaken this Spring at Wm. G. Davis Public School, West Rouge and this will
complement our other athletic fields at Brougham, Claremont, Greenwood, East Woodlands,
Centennial Park, all under the capable leadership of our parks foreman Gord Gauslin and his staff.
Twenty-three outdoor rinks were provided by the Parks and Recreation Department this past
winter, and we undertake a well planned grass fertilizing, weed, spraying and grass cutting
programme during the warmer months.
The Parks and Recreation Department provides a ""Learn-To-Swim"" programme at
A.D.Y. Park each summer, along with a Playground programme at thirteen different locations.
We also encourage and assist other community programmes that operate through the
leadership of volunteers. These programmes include canoeing, bowling, track and field,
yachting, programmes for retarded children, hockey, ringette, figure skating, softball, soccer,
arts and crafts, volleyball, and an ever expanding list of recreation activities.
The Parks and Recreation Department assist in maintaining community Centres located at
Altona, Atha, Claremont, Brougham, Kinsale, Mt. Zion, Creative Arts Centre, East Woodlands
and the Frenchman's Bay Teen Centre. This department also assists in the use of schools as
community centres.
The involvement of the Parks and Recreation Department in the life of Pickering Township will
continue to grow. The needs of our citizens are often numerous and complex, but recreation is
one of the keys that will provide for a happy community in which to live. Since our citizens are at
the centre of our activities, we are always open to your suggestions regarding ways in which
we can be of greater service to you.
David E. Bass
Director of Parks
and Recreation.
"