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Pool party

Penticton Community Centre celebrates first anniversary with family affair
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Kate Pinsonneault and Caitlin Keeler help Mayor Dan Ashton and Coun. Garry Litke cut a cake Saturday to celebrate the first anniversary of the Penticton Community Centre's reopening.

Just one year ago, the city’s shiny, newly-renovated community centre opened to mostly rave reviews, and the novelty hasn’t worn off.

Dozens of people turned out Saturday morning for the centre’s first anniversary party, which featured a number of free, kid-friendly attractions and discounted admission rates for the facility.

“I can’t believe a year has gone by,” Mayor Dan Ashton told the crowd, before helping carve up a cake.

“The staff did a wonderful job... in getting everybody in,” he continued. “And what a beautiful facility.”

Coun. Garry Litke, also on hand for the festivities, said the centre received a great response from the public, and has “proven to be a very worthwhile venture” for the city.

“The use of this facility is increasing day by day,” he said. “That’s what we wanted.”

Revenue and attendance figures have both exceeded expectations, so the party was well-deserved.

Through the final seven months of the 2010-11 fiscal year, the centre pulled in revenue of $1.1 million, well over the $873,00 contained in its budget projections. Prior to the $23.3-million renovation, the centre pulled in $1.1 million for all of 2009.

Saturday’s festivities wrap up at 1:30 p.m.

The Dale Charles Physiotherapy Sports Clinic, a new tenant in the centre, held its grand opening to coincide with the larger celebration.