The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
After 13 years of planning, it appears the renovations to the DenarePlex will finally happen. Deana Hilchie, recreation director for Denare Beach, said in order to expand the facility and utilize it better, the back wall is being moved 20 feet. Once that happens, a teen lounge and a fitness area for Tae Kwon Do will exist. In Hilchie's opinion, having a teen lounge will provide youth with a place to hang out. It will also be safer than the streets. "On weekends, they're out at 1 a.m.," she said. "In the winter, there's nowhere for them to go to do anything." Further fundraising is needed for a storage area, multi-purpose room, skate change, washrooms and a weight room. The bill for the first step is in the $200,000 range. Paying for the work is a grant for $53,000, another for $15,000 as well as $90,000 from community bingos and the Village of Denare Beach is giving $48,000. That adds up to $206,000. "This is a long term plan," Hilchie said, as she showed the blue prints. "The committee would like to see it go further. "I'm really excited," Hilchie said. "I can't wait to see it come into place. It has so much more potential than what's being used." Hilchie believes it will bring excitement to the community. "My goal is to get everybody aware," she said. "Not a lot of people are aware." The ones who are include the youth in the community and Taek Won Do participants. She also stated the facility isn't just for Denare Beach residents Ð but for everyone. While Hilchie has excitement, vice-chair person for the renovations committee, Mary Wright, is almost in relief. "I just want to see it started," she said. "I'm really anxious." Anyone would be hard pressed to get Wright to say she's excited because of how long the project has been in the works. It first started out as an expansion for the rink, but later the committee changed its view and realized that wouldn't benefit the community like this plan. "We wanted more individual areas for things at the same time," Wright explained. With the project appearing close to reality, Wright wants her mirage to end. "I'm just hoping there won't be anymore snags," Wright said. A contractor is expected to provide a bid on Aug. 8 for the contract .The committee already has an idea of what that will be. Once the contractor gives the total, Hilchie hopes renovations begin at the end of August. People can still make donation towards renovations as more funding will be needed for the next project.
