Say hello to Corner Brook's 'magnificent' new rec centre, which now has a name and opening date

Corner Brook's new and long-awaited rec centre is expected to open next month, and its newly revealed name is a nod to a respected city clerk.

Starting May 24, the public can come to the facility located on Memorial University's Grenfell Campus to swim, lift weights and spend time with the community.

Mayor Jim Parsons says it's an exciting time for the city.

"I think this is the proudest moment I've had as mayor," Parsons told CBC News.

"Everyone will get to see how magnificent the facility is."

Tuesday's announcement at the soon-to-open rec centre was not only about the facility's opening date, but also the woman it's named after.

Marina Redmond was a beloved, longtime city clerk in Corner Brook who was active in several sports.

The Marina Redmond Centre honours her legacy, says her husband Paul White.

Redmond and White moved to Corner Brook in 1992, where they lived for the next three decades. Redmond died of cancer in 2023.

"I don't know how she would react to this," said White.

He says his family is ecstatic with the news the facility is named after Redmond.

"Marina's worked so hard for the city over the last 30 years, and this is a fitting tribute."

White said his late wife would frequent a rec centre like the one revealed Tuesday.

Parsons says Corner Brook's council and staff had profound respect for Redmond's commitment to recreation, volunteering and public service — so naming the centre in her honour was a natural decision.

"It's a perfect fit," he said.

People can access the facility with different passes, and Parsons says its director will release more information about prices within the next few weeks.

Grenfell students will see lower rates, since the centre is located on campus, says Parsons.

"They get a lot of the gym time," he said. "So things like intramural and varsity sports will have so much of the gym time to use for their purposes. And in return, of course, we have a guaranteed anchor tenant."

Parsons says the facility is operating with a $900,000 subsidy.

Some of the centre's features include pools, saunas, a fitness centre and a multipurpose room. The YMCA will run a 30-spot daycare there in the near future.

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