Managing risk

Can anyone have predicted the popularity of the walking/ running track at the Wellington and District Community Centre? Since the facility opened last December there has scarcely been an hour when the building was open and the track wasn’t in use.

In fact it is rare to wander into the arena and not spot someone, or more likely several folks, making their way around the track that rims the perimeter of the brand new arena. Many are enjoying a brisk walk. Others jog. Still others work to regain or retain their strength using canes or walkers to travel the 205-metre loop.

They wait patiently in the cold and dark of early morning for the arena staff to open the doors. At first some worried the novelty of the facility might soon wear off and with it, participation rates. But it turns out the reverse is true. As awareness of the indoor climate-controlled track grows, more and more folks are discovering a simple yet effective way to stay fit and active—without risking life or limb.

Credit for this bit of foresight must go to the design committee charged with developing a replacement to the DukeDome. This group understood that a new arena had to offer more than just hockey and figure skating. They knew that the folks in the County generally and Wellington specifically are older than most—and as a population we are getting older. There were many voices that insisted that the new facility needed to provide activity and recreation options for everyone in this community.

It is Wellington Dukes Coach Marty Abrams, however, who gets direct credit for the inspiration behind the running/ walking track. Late in 2007 Abrams had just returned from an international tournament in Nelson, B.C.. That community had recently constructed a new arena—complete with a walking/running track around the perimeter of the facility. Abrams spent many hours at the rink over the two-week tournament and observed people using the facility at all hours of the day. He realized that facility was more than an arena, it was, for many, the centre of the community— a place to meet, to exercise, to be entertained and relax. It was what a multipurpose recreation facility should be.

He shared his experience with the design committee and soon a track was an integral part of the design of the new facility in Wellington. Still, it wasn’t clear how much residents would take advantage of the facility. It seems perfectly clear now—winter months tend to keep us indoors—the combination of cold temperatures, slippery and snow-covered sidewalks prove daunting too many of us. Even the young and agile prefer to walk and run on an even surface that doesn’t threaten to take their feet from under them.

It doesn’t hurt that the new facility is such a warm and inviting place to be. The builders, Taskforce Engineering, put a lot of attention to detail in designing and finishing the facility. Rather than the sterile, functional box that defines many arena facilities, the Wellington and District Community Centre features attractive wood trim, welcoming colours and thoughtful amenities throughout.

Coffee is always hot and served with a smile by “Ma” Linda Lloyd behind the counter of the Kaitlin All-Star Café. The facility isn’t finished yet, however. In two corners of the arena on the track level, space was allotted to install fitness equipment—treadmills, elliptical machines and stationary bikes to enhance the exercise options. This gear was meant to complement the track—to augment and extend the range of fitness and training opportunities in the new facility. That was the plan. Money was raised from donors with the expectation that this plan would be implemented. Instead, all that suggests this intention are a pair of televisions, large mirrors and signage designating the areas as fitness areas. What happened to the plan?

It turns out that concerns about liability exposure trumped the plan. The County’s facility managers worry that without supervised and controlled access to the equipment there is too great a risk that children might get hurt— exposing the municipality to insurance claims or legal action.

Yet a solution must be found. The answer isn’t to abandon the plan or the promises. Clever minds need to come together to figure out a way to provide the tools and opportunities that were promised—and for which funds were raised. Liability risk is something an organization must work around—not run away from. It is a management problem and requires a management solution.

It is bad enough that netting extends to the bluelines. In most modern arenas the protective netting extends only to the face off circle in each end. This is true at the Yardmen and virtually every OHL and NHL arena. These folks understand that they are in the entertainment business and anything that impedes the audience’s ability to enjoy the spectacle is a problem. The additional netting in Wellington is yet another sop to limit liability exposure. And while none would argue that the municipality ignore its risks, it must do a better job of a properly assessing these risks and developing appropriate solutions.

None of this would matter much if the Wellington and District Community Centre weren’t working as well as it does. The simple fact that the walking/running track has proved to be so popular means there is a hunger in this community to improve our fitness and health. What better role can the municipality play than in facilitating the health and welfare of its citizens? The County’s Recreation, Parks and Culture department needs to focus less on risk avoidance and more on the right solutions.

This community has demonstrated that it was serious in its desire to see the new arena become a multipurpose recreation facility—now it’s time for the facility managers to follow through.

rick@wellingtontimes.ca