Vernon

Vernon Clubhouse Sept. 19, 2012

Photo: Amy Jackson-Shelling

Time to dance - on a new floor

Photo: Amy Jackson-Shelling

Eric foster, Shayne Wright, and Mayor Rob Sawatzky in front of Clubhouse

Photo: Amy Jackson-Shelling

Rob Sawatzky, Eric Foster, and Shayne Wright in front of machinery that is prepping for play structure

Photo: Amy Jackson-Shelling

Lets get digging

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Work has commenced on Laker’s Clubhouse located on Cummings Road in Okanagan Landing.

Mayor Rob Sawatzky, MLA Eric Foster and Vernon Recreation Programmer Shayne Wright introduced the media to the renovated clubhouse and new play structure.

“There’s four aspects to the project,” said Doug Ross. “One is the play structure that’s going outside. The other one is a bike rack because we want to encourage people to ride their bikes rather than driving. And we’ve got this new floor that has gone in that is going to make it better to hold fitness classes and dance classes and things like that in here. And we’re going to be installing acoustic paneling.”

The playground consists of a large climbing structure.

“Ten kids can play on it at one time and it’s kind of like a large climbing rock. And it has some ropes coming off it as well. We thought that would fit in nicely with the natural area rather than having your traditional playground with swing sets and slides,” said Ross.

The project was funded through a BC Community Recreation Program Grant of $74,400 from the Province of BC and the City of Vernon contributed approximately $20,000.

“We’ve already had lots of programs out here since we opened it last May. We’ve had summer camps out here too", says Ross. "We’ve had fitness classes, yoga classes, there’s going to be karate out here this year. Dance classes are moving out here now that we have the new flooring."

This new facility will ensure smaller community programs and events won’t get bumped in favor of larger events, offering consistency to all participants.

“I’m real pleased to see it up and running,” said MLA Eric Foster. “It’s a great addition to the facilities that the city has. This is an area of the city that is growing rapidly and the facilities will be good for  years. I congratulate the city on having the vision to do this.”

Future plans to further develop the land include possible community gardens.

Renovations and construction are expected to be completed by October 2012.