Grand Re-Opening Celebration at the Dorset Recreation Centre

The Township of Algonquin Highlands is inviting the community to the grand re-opening celebration of the Dorset Recreation Centre on Saturday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event marks the completion of a large-scale rehabilitation project at the centre, and will include a catered lunch, speeches, children’s activities, and live music from Haliburton Highlands-based soul band Adverse Conditions. Attendees will be able to tour the refurbished DRC, and the day will also include the official opening ceremony of Tapscott-Lopes Park, previously known as the Dorset Pavilion and Community Park, on Main Street.

“We are so pleased to welcome everyone to what is going to be a great community celebration and a big day for Dorset,” says Mayor Liz Danielsen. “We know what a beloved community asset the Dorset Recreation Centre is and would like to thank residents for their patience throughout this extensive project. We know folks will be excited to get back into the building and use the facilities that have always meant so much to us all. I would also like to thank the Gonneau Group and members of Algonquin Highlands staff for all their hard work in bringing the DRC back to life.”

The Township hired the Gonneau Group to complete the rehabilitation of the Dorset Recreation Centre. The project has included the construction of new walls within the building, the installation of new flooring, plumbing and electrical components, as well as LED lighting. There is a brand new ventilation system and ductwork throughout the facility, reconfigured fitness room, and new lobby area and accessible washrooms on the main floor. Outside the building is a reconstructed parking area and accessible, concrete entranceway.

An exciting addition to the project is the return of a branch of the Haliburton County Public Library to Dorset. The new library space is located on the lower level of the DRC and will offer the same services and programming as other branches of the HCPL.