Update: temporary fitness facility secured for Garnet A. Williams Community Centre members
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Nearby workout space available to Vaughan Fitness members once gyms can safely reopen
While renovations are underway at Garnet A. Williams Community Centre, the City of Vaughan has taken steps to ensure Fitness Members can stay active close to home. During the closure and pending provincial COVID-19 reopenings, they will be able to exercise at a temporary fitness facility secured by the City in the plaza behind Promenade Mall at 7700 Bathurst St, Unit 1.
While renovations are underway at Garnet A. Williams Community Centre, the City of Vaughan has taken steps to ensure Fitness Members can stay active close to home. During the closure and pending provincial COVID-19 reopenings, they will be able to exercise at a temporary fitness facility secured by the City in the plaza behind Promenade Mall at 7700 Bathurst St, Unit 1.
The 5,000-square-foot space will feature a variety of exercise equipment brought over from the Garnet A. Williams Community Centre as well as a cardio area. Fitness classes will not be held at this location. For further programming and registration information, visit vaughan.ca/recreation.
Vaughan Fitness members may also use the fitness facilities located at the nearby North Thornhill Community Centre, Vellore Village Community Centre and Al Palladini Community Centre. Members also have access to fitness classes, recreation sports, skating, swimming and aquafitness at all City-operated community centres offering these amenities. If preferred, residents may also place a hold on memberships during the facility closure without penalty.
Please note, all City of Vaughan community centres and swimming pools are closed at this time in response to COVID-19 and the province-wide shutdown. For updates on what’s open and closed in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19.
The Garnet A. Williams Community Centre, located at 501 Clark Ave. W., is deeply rooted in the city of Vaughan’s history as its oldest multi-use community centre. Since 1984, the community centre has provided residents of Thornhill with quality leisure programs and activities. Other than regular ongoing maintenance and repair work, the facility has not been significantly altered since it was expanded in 2005.
Through previous public engagements, the City reached out to facility users to see what types of facility and programming improvements would be desired – the public spoke and the City listened. Based on the feedback collected, as well as sustainability planning and a review of best design practices, the community centre is now being redeveloped to improve functionality and design.
Once it reopens in 2023, the revitalized Garnet A. Williams Community Centre will include:
- a new main entrance
- a new arena entrance
- a new lobby
- a new customer service desk
- new activity and program rooms
- a refreshed pool and exterior pool patio
- renovated pool change rooms and a new family change room
- renovated fitness centre change rooms
- direct access to the new exterior sun deck and York Hill Park
- a new outdoor splashpad at York Hill Park
- enhanced accessibility features
The Garnet A. Williams Community Centre renovation will reinforce a culture of design excellence through functionality, accessibility, sustainable design, urban design, architectural design and citizen experience. Once complete, this improved centre will further connect the community while enhancing and enriching the quality of life for those who live, play and retire in the surrounding neighbourhood. The project also reflects the City’s commitment to fostering active, safe and diverse communities that are environmentally sustainable and inclusive as outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan and the 2018 Active Together Master Plan.
The City is committed to keeping the community informed about the design progress as well as construction impacts once the renovation begins. Project updates, details and redevelopment timelines will be regularly updated at vaughan.ca/GAWCC.
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