A Decade of Excellence: Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre Celebrates 10 Years

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford is thrilled to offer a day full of free family fun on Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to mark the 10th anniversary of the extensive renovation of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.

“On behalf of Council, I am very pleased to celebrate the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre’s 10^th anniversary of inspiring greatness in our community,” says Mayor Kevin Davis. “This state-of-the-art facility offers a variety of recreational programming for residents of all ages and welcomes thousands of people through its doors for swim meets, hockey tournaments and more. I encourage everyone to join us on October 21 to take advantage of the free family fun and re-discover the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.”

The 10^th Anniversary Celebration includes something for everyone to showcase the incredible recreational opportunities available to the residents of the City of Brantford. Attendees are encouraged to start the day by visiting the welcome table in the lobby located just inside the main doors, pick up their keepsake 10^th Anniversary Passport with a full list of activities being offered throughout the day. They can also pick up a Wayne Gretzky Poster and ballot to enter to win a free 44-inch Matrix Portable Adjustable Basketball Backboard, Hoop and Net System valued at $287.

Attendees can get a bird’s eye view of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre from atop the Campbell Amusements Ferris Wheel. Rides are free! Witness history in the making as Doug “The Great” Hunt attempts to break the stilt walking Guinness World Record from 55 feet in the air! Attempts will take place, weather-permitting, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

“In 2002, I set a Guinness World Record for tallest stilt walker from 50 feet and 9 inches,"  says Doug “The Great” Hunt. "I am grateful to the Brantford community for their outpouring of support in my upcoming attempt to regain my Guinness World Record at 55 feet in support of Participation House Brantford.! I can’t wait to see everyone from 55 feet on October 21^st!” 

The Lookout Sports Lounge cafeteria and licensed restaurant will be open for those looking to grab a bite or a refreshment during the event.

Free live performances and meet and greets

Don’t miss NBA entertainer, The Q-MACK All-Star Experience Show at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. Quincy Mack (aka Q-MACK) is a professional basketball freestyler, public speaker and youth educator from Brantford and has worked as a touring entertainer for over 20 years.  Space is limited for this one of a kind interactive show.   Kids of all ages can take part in a special meet and greet with PAW PATROL’s Chase and Skye at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.

Free recreational activities

A free Family Skate on rink 1 will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsored by Cornerstone Capital Financial Group. Skaters can get an opportunity to meet Olympic Gold Medalist and 2^nd overall draft pick to the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Jocelyne Larocque from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Be sure to wear your favourite team jersey on the ice to receive a special treat from a member of the Cornerstone Capital Financial team.  Get active with the 45-minute Family Dance Fit class happening in the 2^nd Floor Fitness Studio at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Splash into fun during the free Public Swim from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., sponsored by Millards Chartered Professional Accountants. Swim Admission Requirements will be followed.

Walter Gretzky Public Art unveiling

Shortly after the passing of our beloved Lord Mayor Walter Gretzky, father of Wayne Gretzky and Canada’s most beloved hockey dad, on March 4, 2021, members of the public spontaneously started placing hockey sticks, pucks and other paraphernalia with heartwarming tribute messages to Walter in his dedicated parking space at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. These tokens of affection were collected by City staff and used as part of a Call for Artists to create a new Public Art piece in this parking space using the tributes left behind by the community. Artist Karen Roberts was unanimously selected through a juried competition process for her proposal of a sculpture featuring an abstract net and oversized puck surrounded by hockey sticks, symbolizing Walter’s philosophy of always taking a shot at your goal. The piece is a reminder of Walter’s impact on the local sport community and its players. Join members of the Gretzky family for the official unveiling on October 21 at 12:15 p.m.

Membership promotion

On October 21, all purchases of an Annual Facility or Pool Membership Pass will receive two extra months free! Existing members can renew their passes on this day to take advantage of the special promotion.  For those wishing to check out all the facility has to offer, facility tours that include a visit to  Centreline Physio, Sports & Wellness clinic, will be available every 30-minutes leaving the main lobby beginning at 10 a.m. with the last tour offered at 5:30 p.m.

Leading up to the big day on October 21, the City is continuing to offer a variety of free and low-cost recreational activities including; Family Yoga, Learn to Play Water Polo, Brantford Library Kiosk Unveiling, Laughing Yoga and more! Don’t miss the Pumpkin Public Swim on Friday, October 20 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Regular admission rates apply for the Pumpkin Swim.

Source - Brantford