Uncover your artistic talents in a creative workshop... energize yourself with a get-fit program... learn about your city's cultural heritage. The $9 million Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre officially opens in mid-March of this year... and that's great news for local residents, as well as people throughout Concord Pacific Place and nearby downtown neighbourhoods. "The Roundhouse will be a community centre unlike any other," says its coordinator Derek Simons. "While offering a full range of traditional arts and fitness programs, it will also have a strong cultural focus. It's a combination unique in Canada." Part of that uniqueness comes from the history of the Roundhouse. The spectacular 47,000 square foot centre will incorporate elements of the old railroading site, including some of the original wooden beams and sections of rail. This link with the past will give the Roundhouse a unique sense of place. Major new elements of the renovated and expanded Roundhouse will include a 300-seat performance centre, an art exhibition area, workshops and a 7,000 square foot gymnasium. And that's only on the inside. The Roundhouse will also feature sizeable outdoor plazas. One of these will be devoted to a glass pavilion to house historic CPR Engine 374. The remainder will be used in the summer for fairs and outdoor performances, or simply as relaxing spots for people to sit. "We'll also utilize David Lam Park during the warm weather months," says Derek Simons. "Because it's right next door, we'll treat this open space as an extension of the Roundhouse for special programs and cultural events." The key focus of all this activity will be hands-on participation... making the Roundhouse a place where people get involved in the life of their community. As Derek Simons explains: "People can get involved in a number of ways and on different levels. For example, as soon as we open, anyone can become a member. Members not only get special rates on our whole range of programs, but a vote in deciding our overall direction. We'll encourage everyone to submit programming ideas to our selection committee. So, from the smallest activity done in class to organizing the biggest projects, we will be tapping into people's creativity and energy." Developed through a partnership of Concord Pacific and the City of Vancouver, the Roundhouse will be turned over by Concord Pacific for operation by the Board of Parks & Recreation. Much more than an attractive building, the new centre will be a place of enrichment for all people... the social, cultural and recreational heart of the community. Derek Simons, coordinator of the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre.

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