New Accessible Equipment provided at Quesnel Recreation Centre

Joint Release of Cariboo Regional District/City of Quesnel:

The Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre is home to a new specialized piece of accessible workout equipment thanks to the generosity of a local service club and the conviction of a local accessibility champion.

The Rotary Club of Quesnel has donated $1,100 for the purchase and installation of a new five foot by seven foot cushioned stretching mat. The mat is approximately 18 inches off the ground and provides people in wheelchairs with a way to transfer straight across, stretch and limber up as opposed to getting on the floor. Seniors who aren’t able to get on the ground and back up, can also get on and off the raised mat easier. In addition, people with injuries to the hips, knees or back are now afforded a better opportunity to stretch.

Lynn Turner, a local resident in a wheelchair who has championed several accessibility improvements at the arts and recreation Centre, came up with the idea and worked to see it become a reality.

“I’m proud of the continued accessibility improvements that are being made at the Arts and Recreation Centre,” said Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom. “On behalf of Quesnel City Council, I thank the Rotary Club of Quesnel for their continued commitment to making our community a more accessible and liveable place. I also thank Lynn Turner who was a driving force behind the idea and helped make it a reality.”

“This new accessible equipment is another great example of how the private and public sectors are building communities together,” said CRD Vice‐Chair Ted Armstrong. “On behalf of the CRD, congratulations and thank‐you to the Rotary Club of Quesnel and staff for their on-going commitment to accessibility improvements and helping to ensure we continue to promote healthy active lifestyles for people of all ages and abilities.”

“The Rotary Club of Quesnel is pleased to contribute to the purchase of the stretching mat at the Arts and Recreation Centre,” said Rotary Club of Quesnel President Bev Haluschak. “Providing this equipment helps to remove some of the barriers to health and fitness that accessibility challenges present. We wish good health and fitness to all who use it.”