Ernie Rotman remembers playing golf at the Barrie Country Club in the 1950s, when the 9-hole course traversed Sunnidale Park.
He also clearly remembers when fire destroyed the original clubhouse structure and he watched as the Dorian Parker Centre was built in its place.
"I have watched this park for many, many years and it is primarily a passive park," Rotman said.
"People come here because they want peace and they want quiet. Don't start making it into something commercial. Let's keep this place as it was orginally intended and don't start thinking about how we can make money on this building."
Rotman spoke at an open house held to discuss the future of the aging structure, located at Sunnidale Park.
City Council will decide the fate of the building and options include tearing it down, completing structural repairs and upgrades at an estimated cost of $500,000 or creating a new use and structure on the site.
About 100 people, include several members of the Barrie County Chordsmen and the Sweet Adelines - two musical groups that use the centre regularly - attended the meeting to share ideas about the future of the building.
City council is asking for public input, posing the question: "How can the Dorian Parker Centre serve our community."
"When we look at the condition of the building, it shows we need to make some decisions," Mayor Jeff Lehman told the crowd. "It is a really unique place with lots of character and I think that's important.
"We want you to help us make a decision and I encourage you to really open your minds tonight. No idea is wrong . . . so let's just get the ideas out there."
Suggestions ranged from doing nothing but structural repairs and upgrades to building a cafe or restaurant, musical venue or outdoor amphitheatre to attract tourists and create revenue.
Currently, the building is used by several community groups and can be booked for private functions such as parties and weddings. Over the past four years, a total of 355 events have been held there.
Lehman said he would like to see it turned into a "mixed use" facility that mirrors a European model and encourages public interaction.
"Let's see how this incredible park and this incredible building can be more of one thing," he said.
For more information or to complete an online survey and have your say about the future of the Dorian Parker Centre, visit barrie.ca.
