Complex re-opens renovated fitness room

By Mark Ribble LEAMINGTON — The Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre has announced the re-opening of their weight room after closing down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They used the downtime to completely renovate and re-create the weight room space at the complex.

Complex manager, Terry Symons and his staff gave a tour last week to a few members of council and other interested parties.

Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke and Councillor John Jacobs joined CAO Peter Neufeld on the tour.

Leamington’s Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke flexes his muscles with a new composite weight. Members of council were provided a tour of the newly renovated weight and fitness rooms at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Complex on Friday, October 30.

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The track and gym area has been completely painted, reflecting a more modern look. The gym is currently being rented to user groups every night of the week. The track is open with some restrictions in place.

As for the swimming pool, users are using designated lanes in the pool and there are many change room restrictions in place.

Anyone wanting to enter the pool, gym, track or fitness areas, are asked to use the Sherk Street doors, which haven’t been used as a main entrance since the ice rinks opened in 2000.

Aquafit classes are due to start this week.

The area where the most change is noticeable is the weight room.

Leamington Councillor John Jacobs tries his luck on a fitness machine in the newly renovated weight and fitness rooms at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Complex on Friday, October 30.

New flooring, walls, windows and a modern checkplate lower wall make the machinery standout to those using it.

The vast majority of the work was done in-house by complex maintenance staff.

“These guys have done a great job,” said Leamington CAO Peter Neufeld. “There is so much involved in keeping our people safe.”

Symons was quick to credit his staff with getting things looking the way they do.

“They had a hand in all of it,” he said, referring to the fitness staff. “From decorating to placement of the equipment.”

The newly renovated fitness room at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Complex.

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Anyone wanting to use the facility is asked to go online to pre-register and fill out their COVID questionnaires, to help expedite the process once they arrive at the complex.

Once in the door, you’ll be asked to sign in and then directed to your designated area for your allotted time. If you visit www.leamington.ca and click on Recreation, you’ll be guided to the proper place to pre-register for your workout.