Soon after the new NationsWEST Field House opened at the Credit Union CUPlex in North Battleford the News-Optimist website poll asked readers how they would be using the new facility. Discouragingly 64.6% of those who voted chose the "no room in my life for the field house" option.
Granted our poll tends to be a small sample, but to have so many express such a negative opinion is disheartening. I've finally had a chance to go there to take part in a regular "boot camp" exercise program over the noon hour. Our usual meeting place is Don Ross Centre, but it's booked up with dance festival, so we had a chance to test drive the field house for a few sessions.
At the risk of sounding "rah, rah," the place has amazing potential. In addition to providing a venue for organized leagues, the brochure offers drop in sports for adults and youth, toddler turf/gym time, even a stroller derby for mom and dad to have fun with the baby.
I'm thinking all those dedicated mall walkers who would like a little change of scenery should take a peek inside the field house. I was on the verge of suggesting the facility offer "Twoonie Tuesdays" to encourage seniors to give it a try, when I read the brochure and found out seniors can access the track for $2 (the entrance goes down to $1.80 if a 10-punch pass is purchased). I find I'm looking forward to my next birthday. Sounds like a small investment to me.
This is a specially designed surface that is easier on knees, hips and backs. They even allow walkers as long as the wheels are clean. I don't need one of those, yet, but it's nice to know I'll have a nice place to walk on nasty days if I ever do need one.
Everyone should at least take the opportunity to go into the field house and check out what it has to offer. It's here, it's ours and we might as well make use of it.
