Welland Community Centre

Just finishing up the fall season and had my children enrolled in Parent & Tot 2, and Preschool 1. Usually we go to St.Catharines, but wanted to give Welland a try this time because it’s only a 4 minute drive. Definitely will not go back for swimming lessons. The centre itself is very clean and well kept, staff are friendly, but it’s not a very family oriented place for swimming lessons— you can clearly tell it was made to be a senior Center. With the Parent & Tot 2 class, it was a struggle to change myself and my non-walking baby in the tiny change rooms. The instructor was nice, but the classes were very much learn on your own… didn’t have the fun group activities or enthusiastic teachers interaction like at Catharine’s. For preschool 1, my daughter was in a class with 4 other kids. Unfortunately we aren’t allowed to watch the kids during their because the room doesn’t have any viewing windows (only allowed to watch the last class as a “showcase”). We got to watch our daughter’s showcase tonight and we’re very impressed with her swim skills, however the teacher was so distracted dealing with a child having a bad day, that she basically swam around on her own, jumping in, and practicing her floats independently. When we went online to get her report card, we were quite confused that the teacher failed her. One of our biggest issues is that the teacher noted items incomplete that we clearly watched our daughter do over and over throughout the class. With my experience as a lifeguard, I was dumbfounded that she failed when she clearly checked all the boxes. I feel even though the teacher was within the safe non-swimmer to adult ratio, she was super friendly and good with the kids, that the class needed two instructors. The teacher focused about 80% of the class on the child that refused to co-operate. Not fair to the other children, and a waste of our money. Beautiful clean building, friendly staff, but we will never go back for swimming programs—not worth it. Great place for senior activities though.

I have enjoyed spending time at the Wellness center. I have participated in many activities they offer and met wonderful people. Their Yoga instructors Nadia and Heather are fabulous. Extremely welcoming and their classes provide exactly what I need for my physical and mental health. I recently was advised that the Meditation course, that I have taken 4 times, will no longer be offered due to a personality conflict. Its disturbing that staff can have such a negative impact that causes a ripple effect and we all suffer by having a very beneficial program cancelled. There are few programs available which bring together like minded individuals who share themselves and their vulnerability at an affordable cost. Heather Jones is an outstanding and dedicated person with decades of knowledge to share in a caring and compassionate way. Many will suffer that loss because of few people's actions. I hope this program can be reviewed by the program directors and reinstated.

Well maintained public facility, easily accessed with good parking. Attended my grandsons “ball play” class and the instructors were great with the kids, engaging, patient and encouraging. The kids really love the program.

The Welland community centre is located on 145 Lincoln Ave. in Welland, Ontario on the eastern bank of the Welland Canal. It is very well maintained and offers a multitude of services to the residents of Welland. Wonderful place! It’s located adjacent to the McDonald’s and parking is also available.

Had a great time with the dog down at the community center. If you haven't been down to Welland to enjoy the canal and the beautiful scenery, you should come down. There are boat rentals, fishing and a splash pad for the little ones. Just a great day out with family and friends.