Holly Rec Centre Programs

Have you visited the Holly Rec Centre?

If you have young children, you’re likely looking for ways to entertain them, let them blow off energy, and allow them the opportunity to socialize with other children.  If you’ve got older kids, you’re probably constantly seeking activities that will keep them busy, active, and out of “trouble”.  If you’re a young adult, middle aged resident, a senior, or anything in between, you probably seek ways to keep active and continue to learn and have fun daily.  The Holly Rec Centre meets all of these needs, and so much more!  If you haven’t already visited this fabulous community centre, let me tell you a bit about the fantastic facility.

Located on Mapleton Avenue, in the Holly area, this modern building is home to pools, arenas, gyms, a fitness centre, activity rooms, a day care, and so much more.  At the back of the centre is an amazing outdoor playground, which was built less than two years ago.  The park boasts climbers for preschoolers, bigger climbers and slides for older children, lots of swings, and of course a wooded trail that kids love to explore.  On the other side of the parking lot, you can find a basketball court (which is often frozen into an outdoor rink for skating during winter), and soccer fields where children can register to play Playball with Coach Shawn.

Step inside the rec centre and choose from a huge array of activities.  The City of Barrie puts out a recreation guide twice annually with tons of programs you can register for, but there are also daily drop-in activities available to people young and old. There is a 25-meter pool, complete with diving boards, a huge water slide and bucket drops.  There is also a separate toddler pool kept warmer for the little ones.  Swimming lessons are offered throughout the year, but there are also lots of open swim times for drop-in fun, and Aquafit for those looking for a less intense workout.

Looking to do some skating?  There are two large arenas both with stadium seating for 350 people, and dressing rooms.  Come for public skating, drop in shinny, join a hockey team, or rent the ice for a special event.  Warm up afterwards with a hot chocolate or freshly popped popcorn from the snack bar located in the lobby.

Just across the hall from the arenas is a staffed childcare room, complete with lots of toys, fun activities, and a private outdoor playground, the perfect spot to bring your children so you can fit in an aerobics class or go for a swim.  Beside that is the preschool room, where children’s programs are held throughout the year, as well as weekly drop-in times to bring your kids to play while you socialize with other caregivers.  Tons of toys and activities keep those little ones busy!

If you’re looking to shoot some hoops or play a little ball hockey, look no further than the huge air-conditioned gym, which can be separated into two individual gymnasiums. Sign up for a preschool program, basketball, or bring your family to open-gym to run around, climb and play on the ride-on cars! Around the corner, there’s a Youth center that has tons of activities and often puts on events for the young people throughout the year.

Upstairs you’ll find meeting rooms that can be rented for birthday parties or meetings, but they’re also the perfect spot for weekly drop-in story times put on by the Barrie Public Library, as well as drop-in and pre-registered dance classes for kids as young as two years old!

One of the best parts of the Holly Rec Centre is the large fitness centre and aerobics room that overlooks the entire facility.  Take a run on the treadmill, stop in for a Pilate’s class, or lift some weights.  This centre has all the latest machines and classes to keep you in shape and healthy, with hours from 6am-10pm to meet everyone’s needs!  Memberships can be purchased annually, or you can pay to drop in or purchase a 10-visit pass, and they’re also available as part of a family pass, which includes access to the arenas, pools, and all drop in activities!

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to hold your next birthday party, a meeting space for an upcoming conference, a place to bring your family on a rainy day, or a camp to send your children to during March Break and summer, the Holly Rec Centre is the answer!  For more information about the center, check out http://www.barrie.ca/Living/RecreationFacilities/Community-Centres/Pages/HollyCommunityCentre.aspx

Photos courtesy of barrie.ca and perkinswill.com

Written by: B. Lavigne