Plans for a new multi-use space ran by the board of the Strathmore Gymnastics Centre, were presented to Strathmore town council on September 19 at the regular council meeting.

A delegation from the Strathmore Gymnastics Centre, which included Carley Flaws and Abbie McCullough, detailed how a new multi-use space and not-for-profit will help keep gymnastics operating as a sport in Strathmore.

It was revealed that the current gymnastics facility in town will be closing as of December 1.

“We wanted to keep gymnastics going in Strathmore,” said Flaws.

She explained that members of the delegation were originally from the Strathmore Silhouettes Gymnastics Club parents association.

They have plans to open the new gymnastics centre in January 2019. They will be offering a number of programs that include infant childhood programs for children aged 0 to 4 years, child and teen recreational programs, youth drop-in, adult game nights, caregiver-child fitness programs and seniors fitness programs as well as hosting birthday parties, and other community events. There are also plans to co-ordinate with other local non-profits.

“What began as a desire to keep gymnastics in Strathmore, has turned into a desire to create a community space that will engage our community,” said Flaws.

Council was also shown a short video presentation detailing how gymnastics impacts the community.

In terms of support from the town, the group explained that they are asking the town to support the purchase of a new floor for $25,000, preschool equipment for $5,000 and a large bouncy house for $3,500.

The town can also support the group through loans from Community Futures Wildrose. Councillor Bob Sobol requested a copy of the group’s business plan.

“This is a huge task in itself to try to fill this hole in this community,” said councillor Melaine Corbiell.

McCullough explained that there is interest in the community for the gymnastics facility and that the previous facility in town had about 1,000 children using it.

“We are hoping to make it a multi-use space that will be used every day,” she said.

There was no formal decision made by council during the meeting.