Charlottetown council committee suggests honouring Simmons family in new arena
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — It seems the Simmons identify will reside on when a brand new multi-use area is in-built Charlottetown.
The Metropolis of Charlottetown not too long ago introduced the naming rights for the alternative area for Simmons Sport Centre was going to native businessman Danny Murphy for $250,000.
The brand new facility will likely be referred to as the D.P. Murphy Wellness Centre.
Nonetheless, there was opposition from the Simmons household and the neighborhood, accusing town of turning its again on the very fact the household donated the land that the present facility sits on in addition to the encompassing fields.
The Simmons Sport Centre opened in 1972. A contest was held to call the ability, and Simmons was chosen.
At a gathering of the parks and recreation committee on April 4, Coun. Terry Bernard, chair of the committee, stated it was by no means town’s intention to disregard the legacy of what the Simmons household did.
“They gave the land as a present to town within the Nineteen Fifties,” Bernard stated. “Quite a lot of individuals immediately don’t know the historical past of (what the household did).”
So, the committee is recommending some concepts for council’s consideration.
The constructing will nonetheless be referred to as the D.P. Murphy Wellness Centre, however elements of the constructing will preserve the Simmons identify, akin to the sector and the pool.
Bernard in contrast it to the Bell Aliant Centre which homes MacLauchlan Enviornment.
The committee additionally needs to honour the Simmons household in different methods. Mayor Philip Brown talked about putting in a plaque in the primary lobby in addition to placing up a memorial wall the place individuals may learn concerning the household historical past, recognizing their contribution to the realm.
Different members of the committee agreed.
“Something we will do to make individuals conscious of the Simmons legacy, I might help,” stated Coun. Bob Doiron. “Rising up within the metropolis, I wasn’t conscious of the household’s contribution.”
Dave Stewart is a municipal reporter with the SaltWire Community in Prince Edward Island.
