COMMUNITY ASSETS

East Hants Sportsplex Expansion

When mentioning the word expansion in East Hants, one’s mind automatically refers to the proposed expansion of the East Hants Sportsplex which will include a larger facility and increased programs. Less obvious is how the physical expansion of a building will have a direct impact on the expansion of a community.

Stephen Pottie, Executive Director, East Hants Sportsplex

Stephen Pottie became the Executive Director of the East Hants Sportsplex more than two and a half years ago. With a Bachelor of Physical Education and Recreation combined with years of facility management, Pottie has the ideal background for administering positive future growth at the local sportsplex. Pottie is a self professed hands-on people person and enthusiastically says “This (position) fits me!”

Pottie knows the value of public relations and how involving the community in decisions made will result in a mutually beneficial relationship. Each week, Pottie writes an article for The Weekly Press outlining the current projects and events and offers the public insight into why the sportsplex makes its decisions on various topics. Pottie is active with the East Hants & District Chamber of Commerce, working with his tenants, and working to build strong community partnerships. His openness to public examination is ideal for fostering positive community working relationships.

A Brief History on the East Hants Sportsplex

In the late 1940’s, the East Hants Arena Association developed the first indoor skating rink in the area which was run by a proactive volunteer Board of Directors. As the community grew, the board saw the need to upgrade and expand its facility. In 1993, the current building was opened and now houses a skating rink, a small meeting room, and a Curve’s franchise; however, the community’s growth and changing demographics once more demand an expansion to the facility.

In May 2005, Pottie and the Board of Directors called a meeting within the community to communicate their ideas and to hear the community’s opinions. With a turn out of approximately 800 people, the Board was convinced that the community wanted a healthy lifestyle with positive recreational activities for all ages.

The East Hants Sportsplex Expansion

The expansion was shaped in large part by the population boom in the corridor region. With continued growth at six times the provincial average, the East Hants corridor is an appealing option to youthful metropolitan workers who want to raise a family in a safe rural setting without suffering long commutes. Combined with the need to service a larger population, the younger demographics are interested in healthy lifestyles and want more recreational facilities than currently offered in the area.

The proposed expansion to the current facility includes two ice rinks, a curling rink, indoor walking track, co-ed full service fitness centre to compliment the current Curve’s facility, a larger community meeting room, and retail and office space. Currently, the facility is able to offer 90 hours of ice time compared to a current demand of 140 to 150 hours. The expansion will address this need by offering 180 hours of ice time along with alternative activity choices.

Following the concept of one-stop shopping, the new facility hopes to house businesses and organizations that promote healthy living, although the Board is very open to any business that may wish to lease space.

Pottie notes that while the community plays a strong role in the sportsplex expansion, the sportsplex, itself, will play a vital role in the continued population and economic growth in the area. As the facility broadens its offerings, the region becomes even more appealing to those looking for housing outside the metropolitan area. As more residents enter the area, more businesses will move to the area creating more jobs and more even more population and thus further expanding recreational activities. The circle is interdependent and continuous leading to positive socio-economic growth, healthier lifestyles, and sustainable East Hants communities. In essence, recreation becomes the heart of healthy community.

Financing the Expansion

Interestingly, the East Hants Sportsplex is one of only a handful of such facilities in North America that operates without any government funding and consistently yields a small profit each year. All renovations and expansions are mortgage free as the Board of Directors promotes active fundraising to support these projects.

Pottie feels that innovative fundraising combined with volunteer incentives is the key to successful initiatives implemented by the East Hants Sportsplex. The two Bingos operated in support of the Sportsplex, the Jr. “B” Penguins, and the Minor Hockey Association are played using local cable channel 10 rather than occupying a physical space and the weekly 50/50 draws help fund the Minor Hockey players’ registration fees through an incentive program. Each player who sells tickets is given 20 percent of their sales to apply against his or her registration fees resulting in some players having received their registration at no cost to them. Not only does this fundraiser create a buzz in the community with its high payouts, but the incentive program offers a valuable life lesson to the local youths that “you get out of life what you put in.”

Pottie and the Board are constantly seeking new and inventive ways to fundraise and welcome community input.

For more information on the East Hants Sportsplex, its events or fundraisers, please visit their website at www.easthantssportsplex.ca or call (902) 883-9906.