T143 Basilica Recreation Centre — Bgfiwe and A fi‘gr

The other popular and money-making component of the centre was the bowling alley. Bowling was always popular, even during the League of the Cross era on Dorchester Street and at the Holy Name Hall. Bowling also took place at the Rollaway Club and at the YMCA. There was no doubt in our minds that the 14 lane alley was going to be very successful. An added feature was a nursery with tiny tables and chairs and an adjoining washroom for small children. Mothers could now take in an afternoon of bowling and have their children looked after. There was also a small lunch counter near the alley.

The centre was a focal point for hundreds of young people, especially from the east end of the city. They participated in many activities, including basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, ping-pong, Friday night socials, an after school program, Beavers, Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides.

For many of these young people, the centre was more of a home than their own home. The staff very quickly learned to identify and manage the inevitable awkward situations that arose with the diverse personalities and unique needs of the many young people that used the facility. I have heard endless stories of young men and women who participated in the programs of the centre and how very thankful they were for the opportunity to participate.

I did get one negative letter, from a person who apparently had a bad experience at the centre.

“The BRC was built for the families who could afford it. The poor people could not even get in the door. You had staff inside the front door and if you didn’t have money, you didn’t get inside. They didn’t want the floors messed up, too much noise and people hanging around,” she said. -

My experience was the complete opposite. Young people were encouraged to use the facilities and most activities were free. I am sure that with so many people using the facilities, there would be the occasional time when one or more person would act in such a way that corrective action would be necessary.

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