There are big changes coming to the Virginia Park Community Centre in the east end of St. John’s.
The facility, which was built in 1942, will temporarily close so that Newfoundland and Labrador Housing can assess what needs to be done ahead of renovations.
The operation is going to move out of the physical building and into three nearby facilities. The community centre’s main offices will relocate to the Academy Canada building next door, youth programs will move to East Point Elementary on Middleton Street and seniors programs will be offered out of St. Mark’s Church on Logy Bay Road.
Minister Paul Pike says the changes will allow the Virginia Park Community Centre group to continue providing essential services.
Board Chair of the Virginia Park Community Centre, Ron Ellsworth says the aging facility has seen some damage over the years, and has more than outlived its usefulness.
Ellsworth says the building is on concreate slab, and downhill from the building behind it, so water penetration has been an ongoing concern.
He says nearly 10 years ago there was a major flood at the facility. He says a smell was noticed in the building, which did not result in any health concerns following an air quality test. He says they then began consultations with NLHC to determine the scope of the work. That’s when it was decided to move the programs so a full assessment of the facility could be done.
Ellsworth anticipates it will take about 60 to 90 days to finish the assessment to determine next steps.
Residents can continue to reach the centre by email or phone 709-579-4534.
