A shining moment for Pelham: Meridian Community Centre Grand Opening

On Saturday, September 15, 2018, the Meridian Community Centre officially opened its doors to the Pelham community.

Submitted by: Marc MacDonald, PR & Marketing Specialist, Town of Pelham

It’s for the kids.

With the doors barely open, they were little more than a blur, pint-sized flashes of lighting zigged while others zagged. Last one in was a rotten egg.

They pitched screams of excitement, releasing the uninhibited laughter found exclusively in children; they were experiencing moments of joy in its purest form. They ran up, down, and around both human and inanimate obstacles, resolved to cross a seemingly never defined finish line. Movement, it seemed, was their only goal. And boy did they move.

In the rinks, parents were defenseless against the expectations of how quickly skates should be laced; even a second was a second too long. Fresh ice taunted the silver blades strapped to experienced and beginner’s feet alike. Time was of the essence.

“My son is just getting off the nice now, he thinks [the facility is great],” said Erin Karner, getting familiar with the rink which many hours would be spent this winter. “It’s a beautiful facility, it’s good for the community.”

In the gym, siblings, or perceived siblings – I dared not interrupt the modified game of HORSE underway to confirm – goaded and chided their opponent with each missed layup, long-range jumper, or trick shot; dunking was out of the question for the pair, cumulatively falling short in height to some NBA centres. It didn’t deter some from trying, though.

The face painting station upstairs witnessed the steadfast firmness of children who, by some accounts, “absolutely needed” to transform into a tiger or fairy; an hour-long lineup was not uncommon. With ear to ear tiger and fairy grins, suffice to say, the wait was worth it.

And more – many more – like the Tasmanian Devils whirling through every room, created their own adventure, imagining the 143,000 square feet of the new Meridian Community Centre as some far away land, yet it stood right there in their own backyard.

In the evening, Timbit hockey players took the ice with the NHL Alumni team. Having personally experienced a moment similar in my youth, I can tell you with great certainty, this is a memory that will never, ever, go away.

It’s for the seniors.

They may have lost a step as the years moved on, but I’m quite certain I would have my you-know-what handed to me on the pickleball court. This despite my increased cardio from chasing two little ones around at home every waking, non-working hour. For the experienced players, it was a symphony of effortless serves, returns, and lobs. For the rookies, it was out of tune footwork and the odd whiff. But the dogged determination that furrowed their brows suggested that rookie status would not last long. However, pickleball, as demonstrated at the grand opening (and taking place throughout the week at the MCC), is one of the fastest growing sports – and it’s for all ages.

Around the Accipiter Arena, there were resolute strides, increased heartrates, and towels wiping the earned but unwelcome sweat beading down foreheads. The many seniors who, since the very day it opened on July 19, have taken full advantage of the walking/running track have a home for their strolls, whether they be brisk or of a more casual nature.

“We walk every morning – we usually walk outside on the nice days but cool days, inclement weather, and the winter, we’ll be here for sure.”

Those were Bill McInerney’s words on opening day, the first to walk the track alongside Pat O’Hara. As we ease into the fall – of course not wishing away the preferred warmth of the sun – the walking track a serves as a refuge for all those looking to stay active when the grass goes dormant and the blue skies give way to grey, temperatures on rapid decline.

The Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee also had an information booth (along with dozens others), sharing information to Pelham seniors, including the Seniors Active Living Fair on Sept. 25. The community centre is also a designated Seniors Active Living Centre. Welcome home.

It’s for everyone.

If you don’t think the community centre has something for you, the grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 15, likely proved otherwise, especially if you were there. In addition to the events occurring in the arenas and on the courts, every useable space in the centre was filled, showcasing a variety of activities and uses.

A Zumba fundraiser for Wellspring Niagara was held in the multipurpose room upstairs. The room full of participants, whose very movements caused my muscles to tense up, as if to say “don’t even think about it”, sweat it out for a great cause.

I later ran into one of those Zumbaites, Karen Kemp, peering across the home of the Panthers and the 1,000 seat arena – her bright pink attire catching my eye. We spoke about the centre and its offerings, and before I could ask, she said “I’m a big hockey fan, I’m a fan of all sports really, there’s so much going on, and it’s got something for everyone, for all ages”.

Back in the multipurpose room, which can be divided into two rooms based on need, children sang and danced. I hummed (and perhaps sang) along as they belted out Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’. I lived in my karaoke world just long enough to receive at least one quizzical look. Exit stage left.

Later on, high school students from E.L. Crossley reminded me that we don’t always have to be guarded, that we can – and should – let loose every now and then. And if an improv class is what it takes, maybe I’ll have to sign up – the centre’s multipurpose rooms offer the necessary space for just the occasion.

And finally (though there has been plenty of activity that I haven’t covered even in my 900-plus words so far) the NHL Alumni game. With an estimated attendance of around 600, or triple the capacity of the old arena, the game was an entertaining and enjoyable evening. Thank you to all of those who came out and had a great time making memories.

It’s for Pelham’s Moments That Matter.

There’s a video on the Town’s website (www.pelham.ca/mcc) that captures what the community feels are its moments that matter, a theme you’ve undoubtedly noticed woven into the many advertisements, social media posts, and references to the new community centre. Upon viewing this video, you’ll see why. If you haven’t viewed it yet, I won’t spoil it for you, it’s well worth the watch. And don’t be surprised if, when it ends, you click play once more.

The Meridian Community Centre is Pelham’s cultural and recreational hub, and because of the community, because of you, the grand opening weekend truly was a shining moment.