Strathmore Gymnastic Centre continues to gather support

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

It’s full steam ahead for the Strathmore Gymnastic Centre and momentum continues to gather, with monetary donations totalling over $30,000, a firm opening date in place and a business plan that has Strathmore’s town council singing its praises.
Council requested the not-for-profit organization, comprised of a group of parents originally from the Strathmore Silhouettes Parents Association (SSPA), to present a business plan to council at the Sept. 19 regular council meeting.
The organization also provided council with an update of their fundraising efforts over the last two months, and requested $33,500 be allocated towards a new floor, gross motor equipment and a bouncy castle.
Most of council publicly applauded the organization for their efforts and impact on the community, and passed a motion to consider the request during the 2019 budget meeting this month.
“This is an indoor recreational facility that goes far beyond just the gymnastics team and it’s something that I know a lot of people in the community have talked about, that they want to keep an indoor recreational facility like that going, so we will give it the consideration that it deserves,” said Strathmore Mayor Pat Fule at the Nov. 7 regular council meeting in regards to the upcoming budget discussions.
The Strathmore Gymnastics Centre is asking for council to consider doling out $25,000 for a spring-loaded floor, $5,000 for preschool-specific gross motor equipment and $3,500 for a large industrial-sized bouncy house.
Thus far, the organization has managed to raise $30,225 with fundraisers, online garage sales and sponsorships, but is hoping to secure $130,000 for renovations and equipment for its multi-use facility that caters to all ages, in order to meet its plans of signing a lease to the old Jumphouse facility.
The Strathmore Silhouettes trained in the Jumphouse Gymnastics facility for more than a decade and was left without a practice space when Jumphouse announced its move to a new building for its cheerleading program – a decision that included moving the existing floor to the new location.
When the Strathmore Gymnastics Centre approached town in September, 40 per cent of the necessary equipment needs had already been met. Since then, the organization has secured a loan to lease equipment for when possession takes place Dec. 1, said Carly Flaws, member of the Strathmore Gymnastics Centre.
Registration for programs that include preschool, teen, adult strength and flexibility and childcare, will begin on Nov. 17.
“I was really impressed; I’ve owned a business in the past where I did a business case and I found it to be very valuable,” said Councillor Bob Sobol, who initially asked to see the business plan. “I’ve heard for years how people wanted something of this nature in our community, for the little ones especially, and I just think it’s a great project.”
Councillor Denise Peterson also inquired about access for those with special needs. Flaws said those in wheelchairs were able to use the facility in the past. Besides ensuring wheelchair accessibility, the organization is also aware of grants that cater to special needs exercise equipment.
Council will discuss the request during 2019 budget meetings, two dates of which have already been confirmed: Nov. 13 and Nov. 27.