Twin pad arenas mark 20 years

by C. Scott Holland

It has been known by several names and yet Leamington’s twin-pad arena section of the Nature Fresh Recreation Complex remains a remarkable place two decades after its opening.

Back in 1995, with the fitness complex part celebrating its 10th anniversary, thoughts of replacing the aging original Leamington Recreation and Agricultural Centre surfaced. Multiple problems concerning that first facility — including lack of ice time for some user groups — led to discussions beginning between town council, the recreation department and those user groups.

By 1997 it was determined to build a new facility and it did not take long before the most obvious location — being attached to the existing complex — was apparent.

The local Kinsmen Club led the fundraising campaign, which, within a few years, would raise the town’s portion of the $14 million cost. The most amazing thing was the generosity of area citizens in donating towards its construction.

Here, the wall between the two rinks is constructed, as viewed through the portholes in the upper floor weight room in 1999.

Photo courtesy of the Scott Holland Collection

Initial plans were unveiled and amended according to what the various user groups felt would make it a better place for them and all users. Three of the biggest user groups were the Leamington Jr. B Flyers, Southpoint Minor Hockey and the Leamington Figure Skating Club. All of them have reaped immense benefits and exposure through those twin pads.

Of course, along the way, many local companies offered sponsorships and in more recent years, it has benefited from Dominos and Nature Fresh Farms, who offered long term naming sponsorships along with Highbury Canco, Unico and the H.J. Heinz Co., who had the naming rights to the Olympic sized arena for nearly a decade and a half.

Today, its beauty and cleanliness still astounds all visitors. The staff have taken great pride in making it an enjoyable experience and helping ensure it is safe.

Some changes have been made since its opening but those are minimal. One of them was installing a handrail in one section to aid people with difficulties getting up and down from the main arena’s seating and a few other areas set aside specifically for handicap persons.

During the last 20 years, the main arena has hosted some incredible hockey contests for championships as well as some NHL Oldtimers contests, a circus, figure skating carnivals, concerts, special events and even this past year, was utilized as a field hospital for COVID.

This area has no regrets about it being built and it has definitely earned its high marks.