It’s been a special week at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre which is celebrating its tenth anniversary.
Tracy Newton, Marketing & Customer Relations Coordinator for the City of Belleville began working for the city in 2011, the year before the centre opened.
She says it was a time of anticipation for staff and the community as they prepared to open.
“It was a time of, just honestly, it was chaotic but at the same time we knew that it was going to be such a gem for the community so all the hard work that, all the extra hours that everyone had to put into getting it open was so worth it.”
Newton adds the closures caused by the pandemic show just how important the facility is to the community, beyond the physical activity it offers.
“It’s just getting together, whether it’s walking on the track or just coming and meeting people in the community, I think they really missed it. So, for the community, I think that it definitely is a hub, and for a lot people, it is a home away from home. They spend a lot of time here.”
She says the centre has certainly evolved over the last decade with the addition of the Belleville Senators and several program expansions.
The pool has been phenomenal in promoting competitive swimming.
“And we’ve been fortunate to be able to, our Beast swim team has been able to also host a number of large events here. And we will definitely see some Olympians coming out of the Beast swim team for sure.”
The Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre has about 30 full time staff and about 180 temporary staff like lifeguards and fitness instructors.
The centre hosted about 20 free activities throughout the week to celebrate its anniversary.
