It’s opportune that Ray Tyrrell will be one of 40 people vying for a draw prize during the Powell River Recreation Complex 40th birthday celebration on Sunday, December 13. He has been swimming and exercising at the recreation complex since it opened.
The 80-year-old said he is sorry that another long-time swimmer, Bruce Ede, will not be at the birthday celebration.
“He was a very compassionate individual and I liked seeing him at the pool,” said Tyrrell. Ede died in October.
Born in South Shields, England, Tyrrell enjoyed swimming as a child and competing with school teams as a teenager.
After coming to Canada, he lived in Kemano, BC, and worked in a powerhouse. A pool was constructed as the community’s centennial project in 1967. Tyrrell also became a lifeguard and swimming instructor.
Moving to Powell River, he was employed for 27 years as an electrician in the mill, then owned by MacMillan Bloedel, and frequently rode his bicycle to and from work.
Tyrell swam in City of Powell River’s outdoor pool, which was located beside Egmont Street on the grounds of École Côte du Soleil and paid 25 cents to do so.
“I remember people asking why we needed an indoor pool when we had an outdoor one, as well as an ocean and lots of lakes,” sais Tyrrell. “I responded, ‘Try swimming in them in December.’”
Tyrrell rides his bicycle to the recreation complex where he works out in the gym before heading to the pool for his regular 40 lengths. He took advice regarding changing up his strokes and swims one length of front crawl and the return as breaststroke. “I was told if you do that you wouldn’t have any back problems,” he said.
Tyrrell spends more time at the recreation complex these days than he did before his wife Jean died in September. Although she had never smoked, she succumbed to lung cancer.
“I always wanted to get finished each morning and get home to her,” said Tyrrell, his eyes tearing up. The couple was married for more than 60 years, having met when Jean was 17.
Tyrrell said he misses his wife deeply but has great support from his son and daughter-in-law in Powell River, as well as two grandchildren attending university.
Another close relative is his wife’s sister who resides in Campbell River. “She emigrated with us and lived with us for a time,” he said.
With more time now to exercise, Tyrrell is typically at the recreation complex between 7 and 7:15 am and stays for a couple hours.
“I’ve always enjoyed swimming and want to live a long, long time, so I keep doing it,” said Tyrrell. “This is a great facility and it’s been a blessing to be able to come here.”
Neil Pukesh, manager of recreation for Parks, Recreation and Culture, has noted Tyrrell’s dedication and that of others.
Pukesh moved to Powell River just over a year ago and has worked in public and private recreation facilities from brand new to a $54-million makeover, including Burnaby Four Rinks. He recognizes the recreation complex as a focal point in the community.
“It has a lot of sentimental value for people who take pride in it and has more than served its purpose over the last 40 years,” said Pukesh.
The recreation complex requires major upgrading that will be part of a 10-year plan to be created when a series of public meetings and focus groups is completed, said Pukesh.
“Our staff does a great job of maintenance and has made a lot of great suggestions,” he added. “We’re trying to knock them off the list as we go.”
Some esthetic “brightening up,” such as painting, has already been done, he said. “Sometimes the small things go a long way.”
Directional signage is also one of those small things that have been undertaken. “We might know where everything is in the building, but we have a lot of visitors from out of town or new residents that find the signage helpful,” said Pukesh.
Durable, rubberized flooring in the concession areas, warm rooms and bathrooms has replaced fading, old flooring.
Replacing the original permanent seating in Evergreen Theatre at a cost of $80,000 was the major upgrade for 2015. Telescopic seating for the rest of the theatre is being evaluated.
For the coming year, there will be lighting and sound upgrades for the theatre, additional replacement flooring and more fitness equipment.
In addition, Pukesh said energy-efficiency upgrades will help reduce expenses. “It’s something the public wouldn’t see because it is on the backend, but makes a difference in a 150,000-square foot building,” he said.
More programs are being contemplated on top of the 25 that have been added recently, including a three-on-three youth hockey league.
“Our goal is to have Powell River be one of the healthiest communities in BC within the next five years,” said Pukesh. “With the regional recreation study complete in early 2016, it’s going to be an exciting year for us.”
Everyone who attends an event at the recreation complex before Sunday, December 13, can enter the free draw for a one-year family pass by filling out a form at the lower foyer reception desk.
Pukesh said he and all the recreation complex staff are looking forward to celebrating with the community this Sunday, December 13, beginning at 1 pm. There will be free skating and swimmer, free cupcakes, hot chocolate and coffee as well as some entertainment. Ending the celebration will be the special key draw with 40 finalists whose names have been drawn every day since the contest launched on November 4. Through out the day, there will be several draws for complex gift cards.
See pages 13 to 16 for more recreation complex memories and photos, as well as the December 13 birthday celebration schedule.
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