FLIPS Gymnastics is heading into the old pool building on 47 Avenue after the Town of Athabasca council's approved the move.
Coun. John Traynor moved to accept an amended lease agreement with FLIPS Gymnastics to lease the old pool at the regular council meeting July 16. The discussion was held in-camera and the motion was carried unanimously after Town of Athabasca council came out-of-camera.
Speaking in an interview, Town of Athabasca Mayor Colleen Powell said the two parties could not have had a better solution.
"We are more than pleased that the old pool is going to be used, which will bring people to the heart of the community,” she said.
Powell said FLIPS Gymnastics is on a five-year renewable deal, and they were willing to sublet their space to other groups. She said the Teen Centre will also remain in the old pool building as a separate renter.
“We are so very excited to move into the old pool,” FLIPS Gymnastics communication director Lee-Ann Rehm said in an emailed statement.
Rehm wrote the larger space would allow the club to continue to grow their gymnastics program, expand their new ninja warrior obstacle course program and even consider the possibility of a rock climbing wall.
“FLIPS is extremely grateful to all the parents and community groups that put in so much time and energy into this transition so far,” Rehm stated.
Rehm also thanked the Athabasca District Agricultural Society for letting FLIPS Gymnastics use their facilities as their home for the past eight years, and also thanked Kate Nunn, Erin and Robin Dosenberg for making the move possible.
Speaking on the behalf of Athabasca Regional Multiplex Society, Coun. Christi Bilsky said that the society was no longer involved in the operations and decisions involving the site, but was very happy for the parties that the space could be utilized.
Rehm said there is still work to be done with the move to their new facility and to prepare for their fall session.
“As a non-profit organization, volunteers and in-kind donations are absolutely welcomed and will allow the society to deploy capital on outfitting the space with equipment,” Rehm said. "The society is looking for electricians, carpenters and labourers for moving equipment.”
