Whalen said that growing up in Allanburg you couldn't turn around with out something going on at the centre, but over the years it has grown quiet.

"The last thing we want to do is close it," said Whalen. "However, the city will still go through with its plans to send a letter to residents asking for their help in filling the under-utilized centre with loads of activities."

Whalen said that early next week Thorold community groups will meet with the recreation centre's board of directors in the hopes of rejuvenating the centre for fall.

He said that the city is not in business to rent a hall and it would be great if they could have boy scouts or girl guides using the centre on a regular basis.

"It's a shame it's not used anymore," said Whalen.

Whalen said that like Thorold's other rural recreation centre in Port Robinson, the Allanburg Community rec centre is mainly used for stag-and-does and other celebrations.

A lot bigger than the Port Robinson centre, it houses a full-sized gymnasium, a full-sized kitchen and recently had a $113,000 heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit installed as well as a coat of fresh paint. Whalen hopes that the $28,000 being spent now on new floors will appeal to residents who wish to use the centre on a steady basis.

Whalen said a seniors drop-in centre would be an ideal use for the centre.

"We've thought of everything we can," said Whalen. "The sky's the limit for uses."