A new, expanded community centre in Elmwood officially opened its doors Friday.

The Bronx Park Community Centre has been renovated and expanded to 25,000 square feet.

The centre now incorporates the Good Neighbours Active Living Centre, a senior's health centre.

"I am very proud that the Bronx Park Community Centre and Good Neighbours Active Living Centre - the vision of our citizens and community organizations to access state-of-the-art resources for every age under the same roof - is now a reality," Mayor Sam Katz said.

"This facility serves as a model of intergenerational partnerships serving the health and wellness of youth to seniors and everyone in between," Katz said.

The new facility features:

  • a regulation-size gymnasium
  • a large multi-purpose room
  • a computer lab
  • meeting rooms
  • home improvement lab
  • creative arts lab

Outside there is a mini-soccer field, two hockey rinks and a new playground, plus a new 72-stall parking lot with direct access from Henderson Highway.

Bronx Park Community Centre President, Blaine Mooney took the opportunity to make sure everyone knew that volunteers were welcome and needed.

"Over the last five years, countless hours of volunteered time and a lot of sacrifices went into making this new facility a reality," Blaine Mooney, President of Bronx Park Community Centre said.

"It was worth every minute. By joining forces, Bronx Park Community Centre and the Good Neighbours Active Living Centre are demonstrating a collaborative approach to meeting the community's needs. Already, other areas are contacting us for advice on how they might implement such a partnership," Mooney said.

The new centre cost $6.5 million and was paid for by the city of Winnipeg, the Manitoba government and the Winnipeg foundation.

"It is a thrill to see this unique facility completed and it has blended in aspects of the community centre and the seniors' centre, with the focus still on promoting activity and recreation options that are good for people of all ages," Area MLA Bill Blaikie said.

"The expansion will also ensure that Bronx Park Community Centre remains a hub of community pride and spirit," Blaikie said.

The new centre fills the void left behind after Kelvin Community Centre closed last year, despite a large protest from area residents.