History

Maple City Centre for older adults was established in 1970 in a store front facility on Queen Street in Chatham, Ontario. The organization was developed to offer programs and services for the adults of Chatham aged 50 years and older. The organization quickly experienced growth in numbers and the Centre was moved to the Chatham Cultural Centre where they carried on their programs until 1990. A decision was made at this time, by the Board of Directors and members to approach the Municipality of Chatham-Kent with recommendations of opening their own facility. In 1990, with donations of the land and the hydro servicing from John Bradley and Joe O’Neil and the support of the Municipality and the Members, The Maple City Centre on Merritt Avenue became a reality. The organization continued to grow and again in 2013 an expansion was needed to accommodate the (pre-pandemic) 1500 members. The Maple City Centre is now operating and known as the Active Lifestyle Centre (ALC). Our facility is nestled at the end of Merritt Avenue in Chatham on the banks of the Thames River. At it’s peek, the ALC offered many programs, services and activities. In 2020 we celebrated our 50th Anniversary. If you are interested in the ALC, please stop in for a tour and meet our friendly active members and Staff.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Mary McDonell is one of the original founders who at age 96 assisted at the Centre 4 days a week on the reception desk until she retired. We miss her happy greetings!

Whether you play Bridge, Pepper or Euchre, there is always others waiting to sit down and have a card game with you.

There are also groups to join like Rummoli, Cribbage or a new card game called hand and foot. Come in and join the Computer or Tablet class to help you with your electronic skills.

The ALC has a great Billiards room that contains three pool tables, one large table one for Snooker.

Come in and join our Carpet Bowling members or try out our fitness room.

If you are into the Arts or are artistically inclined, the ALC offers a variety of art programs.

We pride ourselves on our beautiful repurposed handmade greeting cards.

Members will do made-to-order cards or you can choose from a wide variety of pre-made cards.

New to the Centre is a wonderful sewing club that is growing quickly.

As you walk down the halls of our Centre you will unmistakably hear the sound of music echoing throughout the ALC from the rhythmic sounds of music to join into line dance, Cardio or Zumba classes.

Our Drumming class is a huge favorite and is such a soothing sound heard throughout the Centre.

Our Centre has a wide variety of Yoga classes…something for everyone. For those who have a difficult time laying down or standing, Chair Yoga is suitable.

The ALC has one of the largest Fitness Programs for our members and has literally grown in leaps and bounds and caters to many fitness levels.

The Active Lifestyle Centre is very fortunate to have the support of many volunteers and dedicated staff to assist with the day to day functions or teach and lead the vast array of classes, programs and services. We appreciate their caring personalities and sharing of their valuable talents and time to help with the operations at the ALC.