Donor recognition event to celebrate support for Wilkin Family Community Centre

Mayor David Bailey, local artist David Powell and County of Brant Director of Parks and Facilities Kathy Ballantyne gathered during the Oct. 2 donor recognition event at the Wilkin Family Community Centre. Powell’s original sketch inspired the building’s design, which reflects the former lawn bowling clubhouse with a modern interpretation.

Paris Independent Staff

Staff Contribution

The County of Brant hosted a Donor Recognition Event on Thursday, October 2, at the Wilkin Family Community Centre to honour the generosity of those who helped bring the new facility to life. 

The private evening gathering welcomed donors, members of the Fundraising Committee, and representatives from County Council and staff. The program included remarks from Mayor David Bailey, Councillor John Bell, Donald Wilkin, and County staff, followed by a reception.

Donald Wilkin shared stories of growing up in Paris 90 years ago taking residents on a walk down memory lane. County staff also shared stories of local artist David Powell whose original concept sketch was given to the County’s architect as inspiration for a design that would capture the likeness of the original Lawn Bowling Clubhouse, with a modern interpretation. 

The Wilkin Family Community Centre, located at 169 Grand River Street North, overlooks the Grand River and serves as home to the Paris Lawn Bowling Club and Paris Seniors Club 99. With more than 2,000 square feet of indoor space, the $1.6-million facility offers recreational, social, cultural and arts programming for the community.

The project’s fundraising campaign, which set a target of $400,000 to help offset costs, has successfully surpassed its goal.

For more information about the Wilkin Family Community Centre, visit www.brant.ca/WilkinFamilyCommunityCentre.