SURREY: Newly renovated Newton Recreation Centre re-opens with celebration

A newly renovated Newton Recreation Centre officially re-opened on Saturday with a free community celebration. Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner and Councillor Judy Villeneuve were both in attendance to welcome attendees and provide remarks.
“When Council approved the $8 million expansion of the Newton Rec Centre we had a vision in mind,” said Hepner. “We wanted the new space to create a strong sense of place and generate a feeling of connection in Newton’s community.”
Renovations to the centre include 410 square feet of additional lobby space, a new children’s play area, wave pool improvements, and an expanded 8,000 square foot fitness centre which is double its original size. Also new to the Centre is public art installation, ‘Fern Façade’, by artist Sean Alward, which is inspired by the common lady fern growing in the landscape surrounding the facility.
“Fern Façade is a powerful artwork that speaks to the resiliency of this community and our connection to an ancient natural heritage,” said Villeneuve, Chair of the Public Art Advisory Committee. “I would like to express my appreciation to artist Sean Alward for creating such a wonderful legacy.”
The free event featured free public swimming, live entertainment, wrestling demos, children’s games, giveaways, mini golf, face painting, a bouncy castle, and facility tours.