Kingsville Community Centre reopens

By Mark Ribble

KINGSVILLE — The Kingsville Community Centre is back on track as the province loosens COVID restrictions, complete with a new Program Director in the person of Kim DeYong.

DeYong is no stranger to the community as she has been on Town Council since the 2018 municipal election.

Her first task is organizing a reopening of the Community Centre now that restrictions will allow.

Although the centre has been open for a few weeks, a grand reopening is set for September 14 and DeYong hopes that restrictions will be further eased at that point.

“ We never know, but we’re hoping to grow this going forward,” she said.

The centre was up and running for about three years prior to the COVID pandemic and DeYong is optimistic she can help get it back to full programming.

DEYONG

Currently, the centre is open from 9 am to 12 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with programming featuring the Yarn Social on Tuesdays and Tai Chi on Thursdays.

The Yarn Social is for those who love to knit and crochet and may want to share their knowledge or get some help.

On both days each week, the café is open, with free coffee, cookies and wi-fi available for anyone who wants to drop in.

DeYong says the café is a great place for people to connect.

“It’s free and you can drop in and mingle,” she said. “It’s great for people who want that social aspect or to just relax.”

She said they are always hoping to increase their programming, with the bonus that everyone is welcome.

“Everything that the centre offers is free to the public,” she added.

Meanwhile, as things ramp up toward the grand opening, DeYong is hoping to reach out to the community about programming wants and needs.

The Kingsville Community Centre is located at 1860 Division Road North, sharing space with the Kingsville Community Church.

They can be reached at 226-773-5830.