Clean-up shines light on Westdene Recreation Centre’s infrastructure issues
Volunteers tackled overgrowth and litter, but major repair work continues to await implementation.
A large-scale clean-up at the Westdene Recreation Centre is aiming to give the long-neglected facility a fresh start, and draw attention to infrastructure problems that have limited its use.
Ward 69 councillor Genevieve Sherman said the condition of the recreation centre had become a growing concern among residents, with parts of the facility having gone unused for an extended period. The clean-up forms part of her parties’ care campaign, which brought teams together to clear and tidy the centre and surrounding areas. Sherman said the initiative was intended to address the immediate appearance of the facility, while also highlighting problems that require attention. “It’s either we’re going to keep on complaining or do something about it.”
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One of the major problems identified at the centre is a drainage issue near the stage. According to Sherman, water has been accumulating and flooding the area, particularly after rainfall, because of what is believed to be a blocked drain. The stage area has reportedly not been used for several years, with the water problem contributing to the facility’s deterioration.
Sherman said the drainage problem could not be addressed through the clean-up alone. While the clean-up teams can remove litter, clear overgrown areas, and improve the general appearance of the centre, she said structural and maintenance problems still need to be addressed to make the facility usable again.
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The clean-up also reflects broader concerns about the upkeep of recreational facilities across the city, many of which require regular maintenance to remain accessible to surrounding communities. For residents, restoring the Westdene Recreation Centre could provide a valuable community space, if the facility is properly maintained and infrastructure problems are resolved.
Sherman said the intention was to continue returning to facilities that require attention, rather than treating the clean-up as a once-off exercise. She stressed the need for the outstanding problems to be addressed so the centre can once again serve the community.
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