HawthorneVillager.com

I saw a sign at the Leisure center this morning about an indoor walking/jogging track opening next week at the sports center. Can't find the details online, anyone know what the hours are going to be?

NEWS RELEASE

July 26, 2011

Milton’s first indoor walking/jogging track opens at the Milton Sports Centre

On Tuesday, August 2, 2011 the indoor walking/jogging track at the Milton Sports Centre will be open to the public, marking the completion of Phase 1 of a 3 phase project at the Milton Sports Centre.

The track, located above Rink C and accessible by the new elevator to the second floor, is approximately 200 meters in length and offers three lanes for different speeds.

“The new walking track will be a great way for Miltonians, along with family and friends, to stay out of the heat this summer and be more active,” said Milton Mayor Gord Krantz. “This expansion offers our residents even more recreational opportunities and we are very grateful to our partners at the federal and provincial levels of government who have provided funding for these amenities that our community will enjoy for years to come.”

From August 2 to September 4 the public will have free access to the walking/jogging track. Starting Tuesday, September 6, a yearly pass can be purchased for $5 per person.

Along with the addition of the walking/jogging track, Phase 1 of the Milton Sports Centre expansion included a renovated banquet room, Rinks C and D, which are currently being used for summer camps and will be ice ready on August 15 and September 24, respectively and an activity room for children and youth programming that is also available for rent to the public.

Phase 2, to be completed in early September, boasts a double gym, a multipurpose room called the Optimist Room, a studio and a new customer service desk.

The project will be completed in the fall when Phase 3, a leisure pool and eight lane pool, will open to the public.

Phases 1 and 2 of the Milton Sports Centre expansion were possible thanks to funding assistance from federal and provincial grants of approximately $13.4 million from the Building Canada Fund Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

For more information, visit milton.ca or call 905-878-7252 ext. 2211.

- 30 -

_________________
Mike Cluett
Local/Regional Councillor
Wards 1,6,7 & 8

Website | Email mike@mikecluett.ca | Cell (647) 888-9032 | Facebook Page | | Twitter @Mike_Cluett

In my case, I'm hoping the track will be easier on my knees than running outside. I like running outside, but running on pavement is just too hard on my body.

Man I'm old.

Really Pete? Been to the Milton Mall?? Not exactly "walkable". I think this is great for seniors, and anyone wanting to walk or run regularly but not deal with it being +1000 C or -1000 C outside or drive all the way to Square One. Walking outside is great when the weather co-operates but hey, this is Canada. We get snow and ice for 4 - 6 months of the year.

Can you bring a stroller and baby on the track?

If you have a stroller, i recommend to follow Pete's advice and go to the mall. What's next, can I bring my dog on the track??

Matt

why is there an annual fee of $5 to use it?? Honestly?? I've never been in a rink where they charged to use the walking track. Are we honestly going to generate any kind of user fees with that either?

What is the thought process behind that? I don't mind paying it, but it just makes the Town seem incredibly cheap.

I like the walking tracks, as for the hockey parents and other parent users of the rink, it's hard sometimes to fit in your workouts when you literally live at the arena. So when you have to be at the rink an hour before your game and you are standing there in the lobby, you can get a quick walk/jog in beforehand, or during your child's practice.

Jessica

Agreed, but in the slush and snow and minus 100 temps, it's not always that nice, especially when I normally have a baby strapped to my back

I guess same mentality, why would I buy a Crossfit membership, when some people have a spare tire in their garage, a floor to do some burpees on, and a door outside to run around their house a few time?? (I'm kidding I love CrossFit, but I'm just trying to make a poor comparison!)

Jessica

Surely, there must be a lot worse behaviours than that, that you should be embarassed to be a human. Speak for yourself. At least people are getting exercise. Might mean less need for MDH expansion.

You are obviously a couch potato Pete. This is going to be great for me in the winter. I get tired of running on my treadmill in the winter. And I hate running out in -20 degree weather. This will be nice to go to in the winter and get a jog in on the way home from work a few times a week. I wouldn't use it in the warmer months...but for the winter this will be great!

$5 ANNUALLY and you are complaining.. haha, I don't think its the town seeming incredibly cheap.

When I first started running a few years ago I was with the YMCA at square one. After a while I found my legs had enough strength to handle the outdoors. I still go now and then and run on that track but its pretty far from where I live.

_________________
Your flesh is soft. My fists are invincible. Realize your agony.

Personally, I thought $5 was a bargain to be in out of the elements. I am jogging outside now, but come winter, I would prefer to be inside as I don't like dealing with the colder weather and ice. Going around a track might not be very exciting and I would rather be jogging around the neighbourhood, but I like to wear shorts when I exercise and that doesn't work here in December!

And this with Emancipation Day just around the corner. Shame.

For anyone interested, I called the number in the press release Mike posted and the tentative hours are 6 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week (subject to change, I assume as they figure out if/when people actually use it).

Any idea what the 3 different lane speeds are intended to be?

Personally, I find that indoor tracks and treadmills don't compare to outdoor running (e.g. outdoors is best). However, particularly in extremely high heat/humidity or very icy conditions, any kind of speedwork running outdoors can be dangerous.

However, I suspect the fastest of the 3 lanes in this situation won't be very fast. I'm guessing they'll be walking, slow jog and medium jog rates.

I wonder when the new highschool will get its track in place - I imagine it will be quite some time.