It has been over two years since the December 14, 2021 arson fire that gutted the Kimberley Gymnastics Club. A 26-year old man was arrested about a month after the fire and was since convicted.
Meanwhile the club began the rebuilding process.
While insurance on the city-owned building covered a basic rebuild, the club also fundraised in order to off a slightly large space and purchase new equipment.
Construction began in spring of 2023 and is now nearing completion.
Donna Andrews, Club Manager, says the that they are getting very close.
We have received most of the equipment and Nicole ( Halasz Manager of Parks and Facilities) from the city allowed us to store it in the building even though it isn’t quite finished. The contractor is still finishing up on some things inside and then the city has to sign off on everything to allow us in.
“We still have to set everything up which will take some time but we are willing to work at it on weekends, day or night to make it happen. We are hoping for end of April to run classes May and June if everyone does their part, but 100 per cent for September for Gymnastics and the Daycare.”
The Gymnastics Club is grateful for the community support through this long process and for all those who donated to help make it happen.
One hundred per cent of donations and grants went to equipment for the gymnastics and daycare, Andrews says.
“We may still ask for some donated items in the way of toys, craft supplies and furnishings - table and desk but we have to wait to see what we really need once we get in.”