Although no curling took place during off-season, the building was still bustling with activity.
Between June and September, a new steel roof was installed and the ceiling in the Liverpool clubhouse was replaced, says Tim Smith, president of the Liverpool Curling Club. Both of these renovations were necessary as water leaks over the past few years had caused damage.
Although the work itself was contracted out, Smith says club members did a great deal of work in prepping the inside of the clubhouse for ceiling repairs and clean up afterwards.
“The club is volunteer run, and as such, the board of directors and committee members are all very giving of their time after work and weekends,” says Smith. “We are very fortunate to have such a committed membership and board of directors.”
The decision to fund these renovations to the 85-year-old building was unanimous.
The membership made a commitment at this spring's annual general meeting, to ensure the Liverpool Curling Club continued to be an integral part of the Region of Queens for many more years to come, says Smith.
“The membership, the community and the Region of Queens all agreed that it was important to preserve the history and usher in many more decades of recreation and a continue as a community hub for all ages.”
To pay for the new ceiling and roof, the club secured a loan from the bank and received grant from the Region of Queens, with the agreement the loan would be paid back in the shortest time frame possible, says Smith.
More work needed
Smith says there is still a wish list of renovations that need to be completed and that the board of directors will be prioritizing and completing over the next few years.
As a non-profit club, Smith says the committee realizes it’s important to uncover new opportunities to bring in revenue, especially to help pay for these renovation costs. Therefore, he says, the club will be looking to attract more use of the clubhouse/kitchen and bar for business meetings, wedding receptions, dinners, dances, and birthday parties, especially when the space is renovated.
“The ice shed needs to be a year-round activity hub, and we will be looking to find ways to generate revenue in the off-season so that the building is active 12 months per year,” adds Smith.
To do this, it may mean making make improvements to the floor to be able to host activities like indoor lawn bowling, pickleball, badminton, roller/inline skating, bike rodeos, spring/summer fairs, and more, he says.
“We will be looking for what the gaps are in our community and request community support to ensure all activities that we launch are successful,” he says.
These issues are not unique to Liverpool. In fact, Smith says curling clubs across the country are looking at how to remain successful and encourage more people to take up curling.
Season starting
For those who are interested in taking up curling, it’s never too late to learn, and there are lots of opportunities for the fall. The curling season, says Smith will start as soon as the ice is ready; traditionally, the last week of October.
Smith says there are many opportunities for seasoned and new curlers all season with affordable membership options, and for those who are not sure if they want to commit to unlimited curling, there is a drop-in fee of $15.
“For Friday Fun Nights, we see small groups and families come out for a few hours of recreation and laughs for inexpensive entertainment,” says Smith. “We offer a few minutes of instruction for those new to curling but the emphasis on Friday nights is to get a taste of curling in a very relaxed environment.”
In addition, there is a popular junior program for youth.
While there, be sure to check out the new renovations.
“We believe these renovations will be seen by the community and would-be curlers that the club is here for the long haul, which we are certain will increase membership, support from community businesses and provide a friendly and comfortable meeting space,” says Smith.
Go online: Learn more at https://liverpool.curling.io
