Kevin Roberts has been with the JRMCC for seven years. (submitted photo/Tonia Logan)

By Derek Cornet

Award winner

Roberts, JRMCC receive Facility Operations Award

Oct 23, 2019 | 11:47 AM

The Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC) and its Director of Sports and Recreation Kevin Roberts have been recognized for outstanding achievement in the operation or enhancement of a facility.

Roberts attended the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association’s annual awards gala Oct. 18 where he accepted the Facility Operations Award on behalf of himself and the JRMCC. The award recipient is either an individual or group that goes above and beyond regular job expectations, and whose ingenuity and good management on a daily basis has increased the efficiency of facility operations and promoted facility development at the local, provincial or national level.

“I think we may be one of the first on-reserve facilities to be considered for such an award,” Roberts said. “It’s also a reflection of our leadership and our staff as well. Of course my name is on it, but there are a lot of people involved in the background who deserve some recognition in this as well.”

The JRMCC is owned by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) and it started as only a hall when it was built in 2001. The ice rink was later added in 2005 with more space built a couple of years later for a fitness centre. Another major upgrade occurred in 2016 when a $3.6 million renovation brought with it increased space for the fitness centre, an indoor running track, a bus garage, boardroom and new seating.

In more recent years, the Entertainment Park was added to include an outdoor canteen, an 18-hole mini-golf course, batting cages and snookball. The ball diamonds are also continually maintained with the addition of fencing and red shale, and a beach volleyball court was completed in the spring.

health care

RBC Foundation gifts $7,500 to assist in training La Ronge nurses

Apr 24, 2024

town council

Strong opposition for downtown homeless shelter ahead of Tuesday public hearing

Apr 22, 2024

long-term care

La Ronge housing shortage discussed at SUMA convention

Apr 18, 2024

“Any recreational facility is usually the hub of the community and that’s how we look at things here,” Roberts said. “We play a vital role in the health and wellness in our community. I’ve always thought recreation was giving opportunity and part of that opportunity comes with facility development.”

Roberts has been working at JRMCC since 2012 and he stated even though the facility is located on-reserve, the band has always been clear the building and programming is open to all tri-community residents.

The JRMCC is an on-reserve recreational facility in northern Saskatchewan. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

That same message was shared by LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-Searson who mentioned it’s been good to watch JRMCC grow into the facility it has become today. She noted it’s important to all local residents as it serves as a place to gather, as well as celebrate some of life’s most important moments like graduations and weddings.

“Kevin Roberts and the JRMCC team work very hard to serve our community and its recreational needs,” Cook-Searson said. “They go above and beyond. Kevin is always at the JRMCC making sure there are programs for all ages from children to adults to elders.”

–

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno