The Delta Sport Development Centre will soon be able to better accommodate athletes and visitors now that the building can finally afford to install an elevator.
The building, completed in April 2011, was left with only stairs leading to its viewing room because of a lack of funds. But Delta-Richmond East MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay was at the gymnasium Monday to announce federal funding for construction of the elevator.
The $60,300 federal grant comes from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, created in 2012.
"Our government is very proud to stand with organizations that play an important role in supporting communities and we know recreational facilities... are the foundation of our communities," said Findlay.
"In addition to enhancing quality of life, they also generate economic activity and jobs."
Currently the viewing mezzanine can only be reached by stairs, leaving guests with disabilities, strollers or athletes with injuries crowded around the lobby windows.
"Young families have got someone in the gym and they've got another child or two or grandparents that want to watch," said Findlay. "Once it is done it'll just make the whole facility more accessible."
The gym club's executive director, Ana Arciniega, added they would like local seniors, such as those in Mountain View Manor across the street, to the come and watch the gymnasts more often.
"They just have such enjoyment. They came one day to watch but could only sit in the lobby. But the view from upstairs is so much better."
The elevator will cost $120,000 in total but the gym has already fundraised half of that.
Construction is planned for this summer and the new lift should be operational by September.
