Since I finished last column inviting you to our arena grand opening, I can now bore you with the details of how it went, much like the slide show on my vacation, should you drop by. Actually, it was a pretty good time — the events where you get to mix and mingle, answer questions and generally show off the place are always good in my books, even though we still have some areas left to complete. There were a few displays in the lobby, just enough to keep things interesting, a few congratulatory messages and the unveiling of the mural by Nadine Riehl that will eventually find it’s home on the outside of the Creston Room over the ice.
We had a very cool historical exhibit of hockey memorabilia from the area and for the free public skating, it was one of the few times that our Thunder Cats junior B hockey team could avoid a “too many men on the ice” call as it looked like they had the whole team and then some out supporting the event while they skated around in their jerseys with the public. We also had the Creston Shriners providing free (or by donation) popcorn for the event — man, some of us must have a chromosomal pair that reacts positively to fresh popcorn judging by the lineup, as well as the drool in the corner of my mouth. There must also be an accompanying genetic trait that makes sure at least some popcorn ends up on the floor as we found it as far away as the fitness track (along with sprinkles from the free cupcakes). All in all, I think everyone enjoyed themselves and thanks to all that contributed or came out.
We just had a best practices meeting in Nelson, which is a bi-annual gathering of Kootenay leisure services providers rotating between the various towns within the usual 1.5-hour radius of Creston. With staff representation from the various departments such as customer service, programming, fitness, operations and admin, a lot of ground gets covered in a short period of time with the exchange of expertise and ideas to the benefit of all facilities. Over the years, many ideas have been germinated and brought to fruition with input and effort from the different facilities demonstrating the old adage that many hands make light work. This includes training manuals, safety policy, patron benefit plans — you know, the real exciting stuff.
An interesting sidebar to the meeting was an unsolicited comment from a senior staff member from a town outside the RDCK on how she had come to a hockey event here recently but when she came into the community complex with all the various programs and intergenerational events going on all over the building, she could really feel how it was so much more than just a sports or swimming complex. This wouldn’t be the first time we have heard that, but it cements the fact that we are heading in the right direction based on the master plan oh so long ago, where everyone in the valley had the opportunity for input.
Neil Ostafichuk is the recreation supervisor at the Creston and District Community Complex.