By Jim Mosher
Friday October 21, 2005
Figler on the ice at rec centre as youngsters learn hockey basics.
Interlake Spectator — “Survival,” says Frank Figler.
That’s Figler’s message when asked about the work of the volunteer board of the Winnipeg Beach Municipal Recreation Centre.
Figler is president of the centre board. He says an upcoming membership meeting is all about facing the changes thrust upon the fiscally-challenged centre.
“Change is happening -- and we have to keep up,” Figler said.
The special membership meeting is set for Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Ave. rec centre. Members will be provided a financial snapshot. As well, as the new board elected at an April 13 annual general meeting was directed, the board is looking for general input on suggestions to expand programming so the centre moves toward more of a multi-use strategy.
That’s bound to raise the hackles of some, Figler readily acknowledges.
Through most of its 25-plus years, the rec centre has focussed on hockey and figure skating. It’s propped up its sagging revenues with bingo, but that money pit has dried up, due in large measure to the arrival in the early-1990s of video lottery terminals (VLTs).
Still, hockey and figure skating moms and dads fear being pushed out if the centre becomes a so-called multi-purpose facility.
When then board member Tony Pimentel suggested at the AGM earlier this year that the board consider offering year-round indoor soccer, there was a chorus of rejection. Pimentel said at the time that indoor soccer would push out the hockey and figure skating youngsters but broaden the base for sport programming in the area. It was an idea hockey and figure skating parents could not abide.
The option of ‘multi-purpose’ -- whatever it looks like in the end -- remains very much in play, says Figler.
“Our survival depends very much on looking at all aspects of our operation,” he said during a Monday interview at the rec centre. “Multi-use is going to be a very, very big issue.”
Faced with a debt that climbed near $100,000 a year ago, the new rec board is making inroads. Three fundraisers -- including a fashion show and two socials -- did well, raising an estimated $10,000.
That allowed the board to stay relatively even financially during the summer. Now with hockey and figure skating season in full swing, some money from registration and hourly ice rental fees is beginning to trickle in. But registration is down, though adult rec hockey is stronger than in past years.
“We are essentially ahead of the game, as we go into winter,” said Figler.
The rec board is looking for a healthy discussion at the upcoming meeting.
Figler, father of three teenagers, is committed to keeping the rec centre doors open.
“I live in town, and to me our rec centre is a vital part of this community, just as are the post office and hospital,” Figler said. “I had the opportunity to play hockey as a youngster. Kids need that -- parents need that.”
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