Community centre and youth space open in Parkway Forest

The Parkway Forest Community Centre officially opened last month and included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, entertainment and activities that highlighted the different spaces in the community centre and its programming.

The 50,000-sq.-ft. building — designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects and part of the master-planned community Emerald City — was built by Elad Canada at a cost of $20.5 million as part of a Section 37 agreement with the City of Toronto. "Facilities like Parkway Forest Community Centre are invaluable, as they provide the local community and youth with opportunities to realize the many benefits of recreation," said James Pasternak, councillor for Ward 10 York Centre and chair of the Community Development and Recreation Committee.

The community centre, which will serve approximately 13,000 people a year, is staffed by eight full-time employees and at peak season, up to 75 part-time staff. There is a wide range of registered and drop-in programs offered for a variety of ages and at various fees. There are also free drop-in areas, such as the youth space. The cost of building the community centre was absorbed by the developer, and the city will pay the operational costs to furnish, staff and run the facility, budgeted at $1.5 million.

Among other things, the centre features a full-size gymnasium, youth space, preschool room, teaching kitchen, weight room, fitness/dance studio and YMCA Child Care Centre.

Parkway Forest Community Centre is located at 55 Forest Manor Road, a short walk from the Don Mills Subway Station and is open to all residents of Toronto. More information is available at Parkway Forest.