New Sunset Community Centre Now Open

December 17, 2007 (No. 65) - The new Sunset Community Centre, located at 6810 Main Street, has opened its doors to the public today, Monday, December 17. The public is invited to drop-in, pick up a winter brochure, sign up for programs starting in January, or take a tour of the Park Board's newest recreation centre from 1pm to 3pm. Over the holidays school-aged children can enjoy a Winter Break Day Camp, the new fitness centre and skating sessions at the nearby Sunset Ice Rink.

The 2800 m² (30,000 ft²) stylish structure was designed by Bing Thom Architects and was built by Haebler Construction Ltd. at a cost just over $12 million. Funding for the project came from the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia , the City of Vancouver , the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the Sunset Community Association.

The striking new facility, 20% larger than the old centre, boasts a uniquely curved roofline resembling a five-petaled flower when viewed from the air. Major programmable space includes a full-sized gymnasium featuring a hardwood floor and ceiling, two multi-purpose rooms, a fitness centre, aerobics/dance room, arts and crafts room, youth room and two pre-schools. As well a new passive park space to the south of the building has been created.

The building is designed and built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards at the Gold level employing numerous energy saving features, high efficiency glazing to prevent heat loss, geothermal heating and cooling system, radiant floor heating, light sensors in every room and dual flush toilets.

The new Sunset Community Centre replaces one of the oldest recreation centres (1950) in Vancouver which is now closed. A special event will mark the official opening of the new centre scheduled for April 2008.

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For more information, contact Terri Clark, Communication Coordinator, at 604-257-8438.
www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.