Written By Jan Sims
KOMOKA - Improvements have been made to the Komoka Community Centre, including better flooring in the gymnasium and a new accessible washroom.
“It’s a cushioned flooring that provides slip resistance, while also providing cushioning for sports events,” says Middlesex Centre Manager of Community Services Justin Fidler. “The flooring that’s put in, is the best of both worlds in the sense of a sport-type flooring and also an event-type flooring,” adds Fidler.
The Komoka Community Centre is used for four sports in particular; basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and badminton. But the gym is also used as an events space. That requires a floor with unique structural properties. “It’s used a lot at universities and colleges where they might have sports, but at the same time they have conferences and graduations. It will withstand tables and chairs, but yet provide for high level sports, to allow varsity-type sports whether it’s basketball or volleyball.”
The new washroom is designed to accommodate both large and small wheelchairs. That includes wider doorways, and sinks designed to have pipes covered so a wheelchair can slide underneath them. “Someone can wheel right up to the sink without fear of getting burns on their legs,” says Fidler.
The renovations were supported by a provincial grant of $197,1000. Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault was on hand for the official ribbon cutting October 9th, along with Middlesex Centre Mayor Aina DeViet and Ward 4 Councillor Sue Cates.
The Komoka Community Centre is a popular hub for local activities and events. “There’s a very strong 55+ group that plays sports here,” says Fidler. “It serves a great population in the recreation side. Then the building serves a lot of community events… Craft shows are in here four or five times a year,” adds Fidler.
