BRANDON, MB – The Heathy Living Centre at Brandon University (BU) has recorded more than 60,000 visits by area residents during its inaugural year of operation, and this week members and non-members alike will have the opportunity to help guide development of future programming and community use.
The first-ever Community Conversation is being held Wednesday evening. Health Living Centre (HLC) manager Maureen Bonar says this event is part of a continuous dialogue to identify community needs for the $20 million HLC, which features a trio of gymnasiums, fully-equipped fitness room with resistance and weight training equipment, eatery, meeting rooms, and indoor walking and jogging track.
“We are the only fitness facility in the province which engages in ongoing discussions with the entire community to find out what both users and future users want,” says Bonar, a renowned national athlete with experience over three decades in government, community programming and engagement. “Great things happen when we bring together people to share their ideas and visions.”
In addition to more than 5,000 monthly visits by people of all ages and backgrounds, thousands of fans have attended Bobcats basketball and volleyball games in the Richardson Gymnasium. The HLC was also recently selected as host venue for the 2016 Canadian Interuniversity Sports (CIS) women’s volleyball national championships, with local businesses to enjoy the resulting economic spinoff.
“We have residents and user groups coming regularly from places like Hamiota, Shoal Lake, Glenboro, Souris and Carberry to access programming and use the space,” says Bonar, who points out that a walk-in medical clinic and sports medicine centre are among the new services added since the HLC opened. “The Healthy Living Centre is truly a world-class facility and we encourage everyone to have a voice in its future.”
The Community Conversation is Wednesday, November 19, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in HLC room 002. Everyone is welcome.
Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.
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