The Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre held its first open house since the pandemic began on Thursday.

Dan Maksenuk, supervisor of recreation, said it was an opportunity for NOTL residents to learn about community centre programs as well as different organizations and activities offered within the community.

“We wanted to get more bodies in the building here at the community centre, so I thought one idea was an open house, to kind of get the community all in one place and (showcase) all the different programs that we have in town.”

Programs and organizations highlighted included the NOTL Minor Hockey Association, NOTL Tennis Club, NOTL Skating Club, NOTL Badminton Club, German and French Conversation, Nia and more.

The programs are sponsored by a grant from makers of the Body Break Commercials, Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod. 

Along with the programs being showcased within the building, there was a large bouncy castle outside beside the lawn bowling area for kids to enjoy. 

Among the jumping kids were Mia Chwalczuk and her Mother Tennille Chwalczuk. Mia will be attending summer camp the community centre this year and her mother is happy to have her back into programs now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.

“Doing exercises such as this and being able to be with friends and back out in the public again is great,” Chwalczuk said.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Lawn Bowling Club was also part of the event.

Coach Gwynne Giles was teaching people the game and encouraging people to become new members. 

“It’s very social, it’s a very cheap membership, the first year I think is fifty-dive dollars — not too bad.”

Helping out Giles on the lawn was club president Paul McHoull.

“We’re just trying to see if people are interested and introduce them to lawn bowling,” he said.

To sign up for various programming at the community centre, visit notl.com or call 905-468-4386.