Burnaby will be celebrating the grand opening of its new arena at the Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre May 11.
Visitors can revel in the free, family-friendly festivities including face painting, games, roving entertainment and music, and a "Toonie Try-It Skate."
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome the Burnaby community to the brand new Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, a beautiful facility that will serve our community for years to come," said Mayor Mike Hurley in a press release.
"This facility was named in honour of one of Burnaby's pioneering champions of human rights, and we’re extremely honoured that her family will be attendance for this special event."
Cleta Brown, Rosemary Brown's daughter, will speak at the event and assist with the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Local B.C. artist Jill Anholt will also be on hand to discuss her public art piece in front of the arena, Gliding Edge.
The event will feature food trucks and exhibitions by local community organizations.
Pre-registration for the Toonie Try-It skate will be required beginning at 10 a.m. on May 9 for Burnaby residents and May 10 for non-residents.
The city asks those interested in skating to bring their own skates if possible, as skate rentals will be limited.
There will be limited parking, so visitors are encouraged to commute with alternative transportation.
The new 92,000-square-foot, $54-million arena is named after local politician and social justice champion, Rosemary Brown, the first Black woman elected to a provincial legislature in Canada.
The new rec centre will include:
- two NHL-sized rinks
- a skate shop
- a concession
- meeting and multi-purpose rooms
- warm-side arena viewing
- an outdoor rooftop patio
- universal gender-neutral washrooms
- electric vehicle charging stalls
Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre grand opening in Burnaby
When: Saturday, May 11 from noon to 4 p.m.; ceremony will begin at 1 p.m.
Where: Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre (7789 18th St.)
Cost: Free
👋“Hi I’m new here. Why don’t we meet at my grand opening on Saturday, May 11? I promise it will be lots of fun with food trucks, exhibitions from local organizations and so much more.” https://t.co/NHkwpt6haN pic.twitter.com/hk0IVFlMEn
— Burnaby Parks & Rec (@burnabyparksrec) April 18, 2024
