You might not think leisure services are important to you. You don’t use the pool or ice rink, so that’s all there is, isn’t it?
You might be surprised to realise that leisure services encompasses a whole lot more that just an arena and swimming pool. Leisure services covers everything from the community centre, arena, and pool, to parks, playgrounds, and community trails. Every time you catch a hockey game at the community centre, that is because of leisure services. Every time you take your dog to the park, pick up a book from the library, ride your bike on the trails, take your child to the playground, get some air at the mountain bike park, enjoy a bit of drop in curling, visit the seniors drop-in centre, or have a leisurely free game of disc golf, that is because of leisure services.
This community is so lucky to have such great facilities, and we should all be so proud of the thriving arts and culture scene, and all the sports and recreation options we have here, but the City needs to know that residents are getting what they want. The City of Fernie is in the process of revamping its leisure services plan, and needs community input to make sure they are giving residents what they need.
Perhaps you would like to see more signage on the trails, more places to let your dog off leash, another playground or a mini golf course. How about some art around town, maybe more murals or sculptures representing Fernie’s history? Whatever you want to see in Fernie, there is no point just complaining to your friends because it’s not available to you, tell the City, and you just might actually get it!
There is an open house on February 27 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Seniors’ Drop-in Centre to give residents the chance to have their voices heard. Or just fill out the online survey at www.fernie.ca up until March 8. Sometimes it feels as if the needs of the community are not acknowledged, but this is a real opportunity to be heard, so make sure you take advantage of it and exercise your right to have a say in how your tax dollars are being spent. Fernie is already way ahead of many towns in terms of facilities, let’s keep it that way.