Leafs hold open practice at debut of Bracebridge’s new $78M community centre

The Town of Bracebridge held a soft opening for its brand new Muskoka Lumber Community Centre Friday morning, highlighted by some NHL players participating in an open practice.

Bracebridge residents got to see new Leafs Captain Auston Matthews, former Leafs captain John Tavares, and other pros on the ice at the brand-new home rink.

Tavares and Sam Gagner were among those who stuck around after for a special meet-and-greet.

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For many in attendance, it was also an opportunity to get a first look inside the 113-thousand-square-foot, $78 million community center, with the NHL-sized rink being one of its many features. It also has two NBA-sized courts in its Pro Line Rentals Fieldhouse, an Auditorium and a family library still under construction.

"Every time I've come here, just absolutely jaw-dropping in terms of what we're building here," said Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney. "To see the finished product, to see the people that are coming in here for the first time, their jaw is dropping just like mine over the many times I've been here."

The Muskoka Lumber Arena was at capacity with its crowd of 300 for Friday's soft opening. Its ice had been open for reserved sessions since August 6, but Friday was the first day the community centre was officially open to the public.

"It's a state-of-the-art facility," said Cathy Janke, a recreation coordinator for the Town of Bracebridge. "The opportunities for our community here are unbelievable."

The Town will offer free drop-in activities at the facility over the next two weeks before opening the Coulson Family Library in September and hosting an official grand opening on October 10.