Looking Forward

2022 has been a challenging year for both the Monterey Centre and the Monterey Recreation Activity Association (MRAA). But along with the challenges there have also been some triumphs. The Centre held a successful Open House and saw the return of art classes, drop-in fitness and even the Members’ Birthday events. Membership numbers are almost at pre-COVID levels. MRAA had its first Annual General Meeting in two years, saw the return of many of its clubs and, after a two-year absence, hosted a successful Bazaar.

This year the staff of Oak Bay Parks Recreation & Culture is celebrating 50 years of the Monterey Recreation Centre. MRAA has been a part of the celebrations and has been a part of the Centre’s history. MRAA’s connections with the Centre began in 1980 when our association (then called the Oak Bay Seniors Activity Association) was incorporated as a non-profit. That began a long and continuing partnership of mutual interest and combined goals. MRAA provided volunteers, financial investment and many wonderful clubs. The Centre and its staff have given us guidance, support, a safe environment, and opportunities to continue to grow as an association. We give as much as we can, and they give so much back to us. For over 40 years our history as a not-for-profit organization has been entwined with the Monterey Centre. The Centre is older than MRAA, but like a caring and supportive parent, the Centre has allowed MRAA to grow and develop our own identity. The MRAA will continue to be supportive of the Center. It is a relationship that benefits both. I’m looking forward to what this Centre will achieve in the next five and ten years and beyond. I hope that MRAA will always be a part of the Monterey Centre because I believe that together the Centre and MRAA can achieve so much more for the members and the greater community.

Happy Birthday Monterey Recreation Centre.

It’s been a great 50 years. Here’s to the next 50 years!

Gail Hughes MRAA President