
Maple Ridge, B.C., February 28, 2025 — Starting March 10, the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre will begin renovations to its reception desk to improve accessibility. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the month and is made possible by a generous grant from the Rick Hansen Foundation BC.
The renovations will make the customer service counter more accessible to patrons including those using wheelchairs, strollers, or other mobility devices. This update is part of the City of Maple Ridge's ongoing commitment to improving access and enhancing user experience for visitors, ensuring the Leisure Centre remains a welcoming space for residents of diverse abilities.
“These renovations are a crucial step in making sure that our facilities continue to meet the needs of our residents,” said Cidalia Martin, Director of Recreation Services. “We thank the community for your patience and understanding during the construction period, as we work to make the Leisure Centre more accessible and inclusive for everyone."
The renovations follow an accessibility audit undertaken by the Rick Hansen Foundation last year, which identified the customer service counter renovations as a priority. This new project brings the customer service counter in line with the Rick Hansen Foundation’s standards.
The renovations are being funded by a $90,000 grant from the Rick Hansen Foundation, continuing the impact of Hansen’s legacy and his ongoing advocacy for accessible design. This program is made possible with funding from the Government of British Columbia.
How to Access the Front Desk During Renovations
While the work is being completed, patrons will still be able to check in at a temporary counter located on the east side near the entrance to the change rooms. There will be minimal disruption to regular facility operations.
The City continuously evaluates all facilities to see where improvements can be made as part of the regular life cycle maintenance to improve accessibility. Updates to the pool's beach entry and accessible change rooms were made previously.
For more information about the renovations, please contact Jamie Ayson-Banico, Manager of the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre, at JaysonBanico@MapleRidge.ca.
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Media contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249 E media@mapleridge.ca