Saturday January 27th marked a pivotal moment for Lakeshore Recreation, echoing a legacy of community and fitness that began in 1983 when Dr. Gordon and Ann Mackay first opened what was then the Lakeshore Racquetball Club.
Now, 41 years later, our facility has blossomed into a cornerstone of the Saugeen Shores community, celebrated most recently with our Winter Open House—a testament to our enduring commitment to fitness, wellness, racquet sports and bringing people together.
A Day of Discovery, Fitness, and Fun
From the early hours of 9:00 AM until the evening at 6:00 PM, the club was alive with energy and activity, welcoming families, individuals, members, and non-members alike.
The day was filled with a wide range of events and experiences that showcased the very essence of what Lakeshore Recreation stands for.
Highlights and Activities
Class Demos and Fitness Sessions: Our attendees engaged in a diverse array of fitness activities, including Spin classes, Pilates Infusion, Lite and Lighter Fit, and Power Sculpting, reflecting our dedication to providing varied fitness options for all levels of ability and interest.
Racquet Sports Galore: A significant focus was placed on squash, with activities catering to all skill levels—from introductions for beginners to drill sessions and Grey Bruce’s first community squash event thanks to Squash Ontario. The blow-up kids squash court proved especially popular, emphasizing our commitment to making fitness both fun and accessible. The event also shone a spotlight on pickleball, a fast-growing sport, introducing many to its joys and challenges. Both kids and adults enjoyed it! Special thanks to Saugeen Shores Pickleball Club for your leadership and participating!
Exhibition Matches: The squash courts were graced by top players, including an exhibition match featuring former National Champion Gary Waite, underlining the high caliber of expertise and play at Lakeshore Recreation. These demonstrations were not only entertaining but also served as an inspiration, showcasing the skill, dedication, and sportsmanship that the sport of squash embodies.
Community and Connection: The Open House was a vibrant platform for community engagement, featuring participation from the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks hockey team, prize draws, and an opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities. It was a clear demonstration of how sports and fitness can foster new friendships and strengthen community bonds. And it was our official launch of our partnership with “Community Squash”.
“Now that it [Squash] will be an Olympic sport, I would like to see more public courts created. It is one of the best community sports. You play it with a partner and you can develop lifelong friendships.” - Gary Waite, Community Squash Leader
Squash: A Showcase of Excellence and Community Squash
One of the day's standout moments was the squash exhibition match featuring Gary Waite, a former National Champion renowned for his contributions to the sport, and Lakeshore Recreation's own squash pro, William Forsyth.
This eagerly anticipated match provided a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship, offering attendees an exceptional glimpse into the high-caliber squash available at our facility. It also served as a powerful inspiration for both seasoned players and those new to the game.
Adding to the excitement, top junior player Johnny Ballard showcased his talent, underlining the depth of skill and the promising future of squash at Lakeshore Recreation.
These exhibitions highlighted not just the competitive spirit of squash but also its role in building a close-knit, supportive community around the sport.
“Squash at any level provides the best workout in a short time. It’s also a really good way to get to know people if you move to a new community and there are plenty of people who are willing to teach newcomers.” - Dan VanMoorsel, President, Squash Ontario
Expanding Our Facilities: More Pickleball Courts
In response to the burgeoning popularity of pickleball, we're excited to expand our facilities with eight additional courts. This expansion cements our position as one of the largest pickleball hubs in Western Ontario, reflecting our ongoing commitment to meet our community's diverse fitness and recreational needs.
Reflecting on Our Journey and Looking Ahead
The Saugeen Times' retrospective on Lakeshore Recreation's evolution from its founding to a premier fitness center today underscores our unwavering dedication to health, wellness, and community engagement. The Winter Open House was a vivid demonstration of this commitment, showcasing our passion for sports and fitness.
As we reflect on the event's success and look forward to the future, we are filled with gratitude for the community's support. The addition of new pickleball courts and the enthusiastic response to our racquet sports and fitness programs highlight our pledge to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.
“You might say that we are going back to our roots. We started out as the Lakeshore Raquetball Club and we are still a number one centre for racquet sports. Here, at the Centre, we believe in fitness at any age and our programs prove that. We have all generations who realize that being fit is the road to health [...] .” - Dr. Gord Mackay, Lakeshore Recreation Owner.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the Winter Open House, including staff, volunteers, partners, and participants. Your engagement makes events like these possible and helps sustain Lakeshore Recreation as a vibrant community hub.
We're excited to continue offering a space where fitness, fun, and community intersect, welcoming everyone back for games of squash, fitness classes, or simply to enjoy our community's camaraderie.
Fun day had by all