By: Christian Collington, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TheIFP.ca
After five years of planning, the Halton Hills Gymnastics Club has unveiled its new viewing mezzanine, a project funded by a $134,000 capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The transformation, celebrated at a grand opening event on Jan. 8, marks the fulfilment of the long-term strategic goal.
Prior to the renovation, spectators faced significant challenges, including a small viewing room with limited seating and poor visibility.
Executive director Alex Bittermann said parents often had to “dodge heads” or move from window to window to catch a glimpse of their children.
The new mezzanine has fundamentally changed that experience with features including:
Improved sightlines: The space offers a “bird’s eye view,” allowing parents to see 100 per cent of the gym floor without obstruction.
Expanded viewing: The facility moved from having only “two or three” windows to five windows in one gym, while their second gym now features an entirely open railing for viewing.
Family-friendly amenities: A new dedicated kids’ section features picnic benches, puzzles and colouring books, making it easier for families to bring younger siblings along.
Bittermann noted that a primary driver for the grant was improving accessibility. He explained that the previous viewing area was often “crazy congested,” making it difficult for those using strollers, walkers or wheelchairs.
“We’re just able to make everybody a bit more comfortable when coming into the facility,” Bittermann said.
While the gym’s footprint remains the same, the addition of the mezzanine has freed up the lower lobby for accessible viewing and added a dedicated activity room for birthday parties and crafts.
The project was more than just a construction task; it was a milestone for the organization’s history.
Bittermann said past board members and the former executive director attended the unveiling, with some “almost in tears” by the completion of a project that had been “a dream come true for so many people involved.”
Bittermann noted that the event was attended by nearly 100 people, including Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Joseph Racinsky, Mayor Ann Lawlor and several councillors.
“It was unbelievable to see so many people coming to support a local non-profit youth organization,” Bittermann said.
The mezzanine is just one part of a wider “facility refresh.” Bittermann said the centre has also repainted the main floor and entryway, renovated the bathrooms, added new cubbies for coats and boots and they plan to install new LED energy-efficient lighting throughout the facility next week.
As the centre looks to the future, Bittermann said registration for its summer camps opens on Feb. 1 with their spring session registration to open on Feb. 17.
Additionally, the centre is seeking new members for its board of directors. The governance board requires a commitment of only one hour per month to help oversee the facility’s continued success.
For more information or to register for upcoming programs, visit haltonhillsgymnastics.com.
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