In what can easily be interpreted as a vote of confidence on the importance of Creston & District Community Complex, regional directors are now looking for funding that will add another large piece to the puzzle.
The Creston Valley Services Committee met last Thursday and approved an application for grants to fund Phase 1 of a skate park and eventual development of the hill on the property’s east side.
The initial phase would result in a completed skate park to replace the one dismantled last year, and tie the hillside development to 20th Avenue North and the lower portion of the Community Complex property. With a $1.3 million cost estimate, the project will be largely dependent on grants, with the remainder coming through taxation. Two more phases would create a destination park for people of all ages.
As directors moved toward a discussion about possible 2017 capital spending at the facility, recreation manager Randy Fediuk, reported about the completion of several projects in 2016.
“They all make a real difference to our facility,” he said. He cited improvements to Rotacrest Centre, which now provide a home for New Horizons seniors’ programs and the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors (TAPS).
New glass was installed in part of the curling club lounge that overlooks the ice, and the remainder is slated for replacement in 2017, courtesy of a grant from Area A, a commitment that was confirmed by director Larry Binks.
Several changes have improved service, Fediuk said.
“The addition of earlier hours on Saturday mornings has been very well received,” he said. “It is probably a break-even financially, but it’s well worth it.”
More selection and hours at Java Tree, the food concession, received compliments.
“When they do well, we do well,” he said.
The recreation facility continues to build on its commitment to community health.
Programs for seniors, and diabetes and Parkinson’s patients “have really connected with our mission for health.”
Personal fitness programs—one-on-one assessment and training—totaled 600 hours and helped the facility meet its objective of covering 30 per cent of its operating funds through fees. Those fees, which have been largely unchanged since the upgrades were completed five years ago, will be reviewed in the coming months, Fediuk said.
Directors spent considerable time discussing funding for the skate park, and approved an application for a Columbia Basin Trust recreation grant that could be as high as $500,000 if it is endorsed by the RDCK board of directors. Other federal grants are also being sought.
The remainder of the funding would come from taxation, including more than $200,000 that is now in a reserve fund. Borrowing on a long-term basis would likely need to go to referendum, but short-term options might also be considered. No decision was made—the project is likely dependent on a large CBT grant to proceed.