New initiatives are in the works this fall and next year at Genesis Place Recreation Centre, according to Brad Anderson, facility manager.
“Genesis Place is fifteen years old, so we’re at that stage – as of any type of facility this size – of looking at a refresh and a rebrand,” Anderson said during a presentation to council at a regular meeting Aug. 19.
The process will include undertaking a review of the program offerings at Genesis Place, as well as its physical spaces, he said, to ensure the facility is responsive to community needs and provides health and wellness opportunities to residents of all ages.
A refresh of “Main Street,” the corridor which connects the aquatics entrance to the field house, is planned in the coming months – improving the lighting in the space; updating the graphics, displays and signage; and providing a fresh coat of paint to help showcase these changes.
“The intent is to incorporate the use of visuals, colours and language that both encourages an active lifestyle while also considering those with language barriers or low levels of English literacy,” Anderson said.
Programming changes will also be implemented, such as the reduction of age limits within the fitness centre and new drop-in opportunities – including at the Kids Fun Place, which Anderson said is regularly inaccessible to drop-in pass holders due to birthday party bookings.
“In the fall, families will now find time protected for spontaneous use on both Saturdays and Sundays,” he said. “This amenity is a key driver for young families, as it promotes both early physical literacy, as well as socialization.”
The facility is also looking at opportunities to expand value-added incentives available to pass holders, Anderson said, in an effort to not only provide more services to customers, but also to target more infrequent users.
“We have over 400,000 visits that come through by means of pass holders every single year,” Anderson said. “We are the only multi-use facility, so we have to think about how we leverage the opportunities that a multi-use facility has to promote long-term physical literacy.”
But according to Anderson, Genesis Place hasn’t historically done much in the way of providing incentives – annual pass holders are given two courtesy guest passes. To address this, the facility has developed five new value-added opportunities, which were endorsed by a unanimous council vote. Coun. Kelly Hegg was not present.
Effective Jan. 1, 2020, pass holders will receive a 10 per cent discount on registered programming, an optional unlimited child-care package for an add-on fee of $15 per month for one child or $30 per month for two or more, a personal training add-on package, and the option to bring a friend on the first Thursday of the month. Airdrie residents aged 80 years and up will also be eligible to receive a free pass to encourage them to participate in physical activity and social engagement.
“It’s not just about kids, it’s about the spectrum – from youth and children right up to seniors and how we can have an active community here in Airdrie,” Anderson said.
He added Genesis Place will track the initiatives in the coming year and report back to council with the results.
