August is an opportune time for revamping the recreation centre on Monterey Avenue.
This month the activity site for those 50-plus will see a little more than the usual fresh coat of paint.
The Fern Café, Garden Court, Bamboo Room, Pine Room and computer room will get vast upgrades in the name of “improving the experience for adults in the community” says the centre’s co-ordinator.
“Summer tends to be our quietest time, so it makes the most sense in terms of participation numbers and the least disruption,” said Lesley Cobus.
There are some extra “special projects” this year. The Oak Bay Seniors Activities Association works in partnership with Monterey Recreation Centre and Recreation Oak Bay to plan for those improvement projects, deciding what projects move forward.
The café and court underwent flooring replacement last week. While the café is closed, the coffee express is still open to pick up sandwiches and coffees.
“The other floor was end of life and starting to show considerable signs of wear,” Cobus said. “With safety being No. 1, it was time to get a new floor.”
Acoustic panels were installed in the Bamboo and Pine rooms last week, said Cobus, who’s had a crash course in acoustics this summer.
“It’s so wonderful for our members. They help our members with hearing impairment. People taking courses or having meetings can hear each other better,” she said.
“We’re trying to be as friendly as we can to the adult aging process and hearing’s a big thing.”
The computer lab got a coat of paint last week with flooring set to go in next week.
The refurbishment, that includes a new television, is funded by the Oak Bay Seniors Activities Association that also offered up cash to upgrade the sound system in the Garry Oak Room.
“They raise funds every year with our annual Oak Leaves Bazaar and the rummage sale,” Cobus said.
This year’s bazaar is already set for Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the rummage sale slated for Feb. 28, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., both at the Monterey centre.
The new flooring and acoustic panels are legacy funded, from a bequeathment to Monterey Recreation Centre, administered through the District of Oak Bay. New blinds in the classroom are also through the bequeathment.
“We used to have those ugly old slat blinds. Now we find everyone relies on more technology … so we need to have the ability to darken the room and have it look clean and professional,” Cobus said.
All the work is set to finish by the end of the month, and the centre will host an open house Monday, Sept. 15 where another project will be revealed.
“We’re proud and excited to make these improvements to a facility that’s really going to make a difference for our members and the community,” Cobus said.
The open house runs Sept. 15 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Ave.