Community get-fit gym opens in Woodville

BY SARA KEDDY

Kings County Register

Woodville may well become the fitness centre of the Valley.

With an over-the-mountain forest trail system, swimming lessons, an expanded playground and exercise classes, residents can now make use of their own well-equipped gym in the community hall. “This has been a big task,” hall association president George Foote said Nov. 8, as a crowd of 50 attended the gym’s open house afternoon. “We’ve spent a lot of money, and shared everyone’s we could get to make it happen,” referring to various grants and contributions from the provincial government, the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, Kings County’s Community Hall Assistance Program, both the Western Kings community health board and healthy society, residents of Woodville, who contribute through time and labour at the annual community Apple Blossom chicken BBQ.

Foote made special mention of handyman Randy Van Hattem, recreation committee members Alice Van Hattem, Jack Van Roestal, Danny Keddy, Paul Rump and the late Doug Anderson; and Cynthia Cameron-Newcombe, who donated all her former Curves business’ fitness equipment. “Why did we want to do this?” Foote asked. “It’s to complement the two exercise classes we have had here for the last two years. There are more machines to make you work harder and keep you at it.”

The gym is set up the hall’s basement, and features the Curves circuit equipment, a universal machine, treadmill, bench press with weights, TV and DVD player with assorted fitness DVDs, a mat area and washroom. The entire centre is open to those who join - $30 per person for a year or $50 per family. By signing a waiver, it’s available for independent use between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily. The best part: a computerized keyless entry system. Members get a credit card-style key that opens the hall and gym. It’s also a good security monitor for the hall association, tracking who is in the building when as they swipe their keys through the door panels.