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Kelowna  

Future of rec centre discussed

Discussions are underway to determine the future of the more than 40-year-old Parkinson Rec Centre.

The future of the rec centre – described as old and tired –  came up this month during council budget deliberations, specifically a budget request for funds to replace one of the facility's roofs.

"Some things need to be done," said civic properties supervisor Martin Johansen in responding to a question from Coun. Luke Stack.

"We've been holding off on a lot of things on Parkinson Rec Centre, and this roof is at a point where we have to do it."

Johansen acknowledged a decision needs to be made soon on the future of the facility because "there's a lot of building systems we are holding together with duct tape to keep the building open."

Many of the systems are at the end of their service life, such as roofing, siding and vapour barriers.

"Some are becoming technically obsolete. We've got some issues with plumbing pipes and different things like that," said Johansen.

The problem with the filtration system that shut down the main pool for two and a half days this week is not related to other issues at the facility, he added.

The rec centre was built in 1972 using insurance money obtained after the City Park aquatic facility burned down.

The building, according to parks and public spaces manager Terry Barton, was never built to "any great standard."

He said it's not like an old heritage building that you would never consider knocking down.

"It was built on a budget back then, and there are some very ad hoc additions that have limited the functionality of the place. When you look at what can we save, there's not a lot there that is of great value," said Barton.

"It's not a great building to begin with, so when you look at building new, you might put a few more points on that because then you are able to get exactly what you want out of the building. You are able to put in all the new technologies, the new building systems, build it to the right size and actually have a recreation centre that responds to residents needs."

Staff are going through that process now, determining the pros and cons of whether the necessary repairs the building requires can give it another 20 to 25 years of life, or whether the cost is too prohibitive.

"If you are putting out this level of expenditure ... what's the intended life cycle and is it a wise use of money to start updating the building systems when we don't know how long the building is going to last?"

There is also the issue of taxpayer tolerance.

Kelowna taxpayers are still paying off the debt from borrowing for the H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre and have just begun paying for the new RCMP detachment building.

Council is expected to see a report with possible recommendations sometime this spring.

If a decision is made to build new it is expected that would be five to 10 years out.



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