Village Centre

Readily identified by its clock tower, the state-of-the-art Recreation Centre, which opened in 1998, is the focal point of the Village by the Arboretum. The Centre is available to all VBA residents. Like the Village homes, the Centre reflects the brick-and-stone colonial architecture of the City of Guelph. In designing the Centre, the developer solicited suggestions from community residents to ensure that it met their needs.

The Centre has a total of 43,000 square feet, of which 28,000 are on the main floor with an additional 15,000 on the lower level which is serviced by an elevator as well as stairs. As you enter the front door of the Centre there is a large two-story entry foyer from which you can access a large multipurpose area with gymnasium flooring that can accommodate 450 people for a sit-down dinner or as a 650-seat auditorium with a stage for theater presentations, general meetings, dances and other social events. The gymnasium also is the venue for badminton, pickle ball, table tennis, and suffleboard.

The main floor features 12-foot ceilings, decorative moldings and deep windows in all rooms, interior French doors, bay windows, and bright, light colours. The lower level has similar finishes and is arranged so that during inclement weather the hallway can be used as a walking track.

The Centre houses a 75-foot long indoor pool which can be used for doing laps or general swimming, with a deck and whirlpool spa. Aqua fit clases are very popular with many village residents.

The Pool

The Library

Additionally, on the main floor there is a large exercise room that overlooks a garden; a boardroom; an arts and crafts room; a large, comfortable television lounge that shares a two-sided fireplace with the library, a fully-furnished catering kitchen; general purpose rooms and offices for resident administrative activities. The library has a large collection of books and movies available for use by village residents.

On the lower level there is a large rehearsal hall; a four table billiard room, a hobby room; a games room and other facilities. There are large inner windows on this level providing a feeling of openness.

Outdoor amenities include ponds and landscaped waterfalls, which are part of the storm water management system; two tennis courts; barbecue areas; two shuffleboard courts; horseshoe pit and extensive walkways.

Many events are held in the auditorium. These include coffee parties, cabarets and other events organized by the theater and other activity groups, concerts and Canada Day and Christmas Activities.