Gym Shorts: The Healthy Heart of Kincardine - the Davidson Centre

Arenas and recreation centres are the heart of any community. They are special places where people can meet to share in similar activities and interests. They are where young people learn about teamwork and respect, where some of us seniors can find a card game or a round of table tennis, and where friendships are formed.

We probably don’t spend much time pondering the importance of an arena, but when you take a close look, it acts as a good location to bring us together.

Kincardine’s Davidson Centre is a great example of that hub of activity. Annually, it sees approximately 50,000 people walk through its doors. The centre was built in 1976 and is located at 601 Durham Street, in the Town of Kincardine. This recreation centre offers everything from sports programming to public skating and swimming, and even room rentals for weddings. It’s a big facility with multiple gyms, an indoor walking track, and a health club.

“We are a multi-use facility,” says aquatics supervisor Sara Vinandy. “It’s nice to have so many opportunities to get fit - through the health club, all the swims, land fit, etc., and all in one location.

“Aqua-fit, Pickleball, volleyball and even the ‘Huff and Puff’ pick-up hockey (for those over 55 years of age) are among the most popular activities here.”



Sara Vinandy is the aquatics supervisor at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine

There are also rooms dedicated for seniors where they can play shuffleboard, table tennis, snooker, carpet-bowling, and card games. No need to book ahead. You just show up! The cost for activities for seniors ranges from $2.50 to $5. The Bridge Club is sponsored by Kin Charity - so joining that activity is free.

Check out the Davidson Centre’s monthly calendar for seniors as there is lots going on: Drop in Programs | Online Services (activecommunities.com) If you’re searching for non-senior activities, click on the main title at the top of the screen to see other events.

The health club at the centre is undergoing upgrades. It’s a nice bright gym with a lot of room to work out on some of the latest equipment.

“We have some long-term clients who love coming here,” says Nicole Bowers (right), health club co-ordinator.

New members are given a complimentary orientation on how to use the equipment, and Bowers points out that some of the equipment is designed for the physically-challenged. The club recently acquired a SkiErg which is work-out equipment for all physical abilities.

There’s no doubt that people love coming to the Davidson Centre, which continues to receive positive feedback from people using the facility.

Bowers says that members have been happy with the cleanliness of the equipment in the health club and having a co-ordinator there for help with questions.

“They have also responded positively to the addition of new gym equipment, to the improved layout with more open floor space for work-outs that do not involve the machines, and to the improvements to the accessibility area we created,” she says.

You can check out what activities are available and what is coming up through the centre’s website at Davidson Centre (kincardine.ca) Remember, free skates and swims are offered on some weekends.

Don’t forget the walking track is free and open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. “It’s wonderful to have this asset so that all ages can walk in all kinds of weather conditions,” says Vinandy.

As a reminder, you should always consult first with a medical professional or coach before starting a fitness program.



Andrea Clarke of AC - Law Offices of Andrea Clarke, sponsors the free skate at the Davidson Centre Nov. 11



Check out the Davidson Centre’s website calendar for the latest in available activities