This was a very exciting morning. Nancy had the chance to tour our new Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre with the Chartwell Maple Grove Residents Association (CMGRA) board members and our town councillors, Janet Haslett-Theall and Dave Gittings. Leading the tour was Jennifer McPetrie, the Manager of the Community Center, and Brent Copeland the Acting Senior Manager of Operations.

Construction is still prevalent throughout the building, with finishing touches to be completed, pools to be filled and parking garages to be prepared. With that being said, the space is beautiful and we are so grateful to the town and community for all their hard work and patience getting this created. Planned opening is October 17, 2020 with small tours and activities available by appointment in the meantime.

Some major highlights for us include the 30ft ceilings in the lobby, which houses a seating area to watch over the gymnasium and pool, the customer service desk and the Reynold's Street Cafe. A great space for one day, post COVID,  congregating families, seniors and young people. We are also looking forward to the abstract LED art installation that will be added around the light fixture with reference to the local Chimney Swift birds.

It is also great to see the environmentally conscious fixtures and features that have been added to the building. From waste and recycling bins, and water fountains to the steel walled pools  and geothermal energy, this state-of-the-art facility has it all.

The wheelchair accessible therapy pool, kept at 92 degrees fahrenheit is a game changer as it provides a huge opportunity for everyone. Single private bathrooms around the building means they are universally accessible.

At the Northeast corner of the playground, you can find the Tulip Tree donated by the CMGRA. Bright, natural light, surrounded by new park space, trees and shrubs. Playground, splash pad and picnic tables. The list goes on. We can't wait to enjoy the space. In being mindful of the current situation, generally all visits require an appointment or reservation and masks need to be worn.