Photo: Darren Handschuh

With the International Association of Athletics Federations-compliant, synthetic track surface being installed, the Greater Vernon Community Sports Facility is getting closer to being ready for people to lace up and give the multi-million facility a try.

“The black underlay for the track is now down and the contractors will be starting to install the low-impact surface shortly, which they will complete over three or four weeks”, says Keith Pinkoski, parks manager.

The public will be welcomed into the facility, in a limited capacity, at the end of July.

“We realize people are excited to get out there and start using the track and field, which is why we will be opening them up to the public as soon as they are ready to go” says Regional District of North Okangan director Bob Fleming.

The remainder of the facility, including the building, will be completed in time for the grand opening event, to be held at the end of September. In response to community feedback, showers have been added to the building and although the building expansion has pushed backed the completion date, it will be finished in time to accommodate users during the high-use season, starting in mid to late September.

Once open, the facility will be available for the general public to use, free of charge. Rental fees will only apply when the facility is being booked for special events or programming. Consistent with other Greater Vernon parks, the facility can be booked through the recreation centre.

“The facility is going to be a real community asset,” says Fleming, “I am really looking forward to seeing it be well used.”

The track and field are located next the Kalamalka Campus of Okanagan College.

The project includes:

a high-quality, regulation sized synthetic track, which will have a long life and meet all International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) requirements;

one regulation-sized synthetic turf field, appropriate for football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse and field hockey;

one natural turf field;

seating for four-hundred spectators;

four change rooms, showers and washroom facilities;

classroom and meeting room

In a referendum on April 6, 2013 Vernon voters endorsed the plan to borrow $7.5 million over 20 years to pay for the facility.

Photo: Contributed - RDNO