Kincardine's gymnastics club is asking local council to move ahead with an agreement that will see them take over the Connaught Park Pavilion as the primary renter.
The Kincardine Klassics Gymnastics Club presented to council this week, saying that after over 30 years of leasing the space as a semi-permanent facility from the Kincardine Agriculture Society, they were ready to enter a 10-year-lease directly with the municipality.
Head Coach Megan Alers outlined the difficulties of not having the space year round, and clearing the space each fall. She noted that as the program has grown, so too have the equipment demands.
"We can no longer safely manage the shutdown, storage and reinstall process with volunteers," she told council. "Each year we hire an independent moving company to support these operations for about $3,000. The proposed new lease agreement would put an end to this complicated and costly process, protecting our equipment and the overall safety of our atheletes."
Staff proposed a 10-year-lease with the Kincardine Klassics Gymnastics Club in the fall, acting on a recommendation from the Municipality's Recreation Strategic Plan. Staff also recommended a multi-year transitional agreement with the Ag Society.
However, the Ag Society said that it felt left out of the lease discussions, potentially losing access to a viable location to hold the annual Fall Fair. Council opted to defer the decision for 60 days on February 11 and meet with the Ag Society representatives.
Alers said they've already invested approximately $50,000 upgrading the building’s HVAC system and will pour more money into it moving forward.
"For over three decades, the Kincardine Klassics Gymnastics Club has demonstrated responsible stewardship of the pavilion," she said. "The agreement will ensure this municipal asset will see stability and growth through capital investment. Most importantly, the facility will serve as a hub of physical activity, childcare and employment opportunities for generations to come."
The matter is expected to return to council next month.
