sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ city council issued its own development permit on Monday for the construction of a major new recreation complex, to be built directly north of the existing Parkinson recreation centre.
These are various images of how the new facility, the costliest-ever undertaking in the city's history, will look when completed in late 2027.Ìý
We're inviting readers of The sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Courier to comment on the design of the new centre. Like it? Love it? Hate it?
Ìý
Do you think its design represents good value for the almost $200 million the city will spend to build the centre, or could it have been made more architecturally appealing?
Ìý
Also, a name for the new centre has not yet been chosen by city council. Many assume it will continue to be named the Parkinson recreation centre, after the long-time former mayor Dick Parkinson, but that is not certain to be the case. What do you think the new centre should be called?
Ìý
Send your comments toÌýletters@ok.bc.ca
Please keep your submissions to less than 100 words so a good selection of them can appear in an upcoming edition.Ìý
Ìý
Here is a statement issued by sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Mayor Tom Dyas immediately after city council approved the development permit:Ìý
Ìý
Today, Council took a significant step forward in transforming recreation in our city, with a majority voting to approve the development permit for the new Parkinson Recreation Centre.
Ìý
The new Parkinson Recreation Centre will be the most ambitious and transformative facility in sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ history, designed to meet the needs of a growing, active, and diverse population.
Ìý
When complete, the redeveloped centre will offer five times more athletic space, 2.5 times more aquatic space, and three times the program capacity.
Ìý
With expanded areas for swimming, fitness, sport, and community use, it will support everything from learn-to-swim classes and seniors’ wellness programs to family recreation. It will feature dedicated childcare, food services, and a branch of the Okanagan Regional Library, making it a true hub for the community.
Ìý
The facility will also be a place to host events and sports tournaments, drawing visitors to our city and generating real economic impact for our community.
Ìý
This project is a cornerstone of our Building a Stronger sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ initiative—a long-term vision to invest in our citysa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ future by strengthening recreation, sport, and community infrastructure. This includes new all-ages activity centres in Mission, Glenmore, and Rutland.
Ìý
These investments are about creating healthier, more connected neighbourhoods and providing spaces that support the evolving needs of our growing city.
Ìý
For more than a decade, this redevelopment has been identified as a critical need. With the development permit now approved, City Council and staff are moving this exciting project forward.
Ìý
A formal groundbreaking is expected this spring, with additional permit approvals to follow in the months ahead.
Ìý
This is an exciting time for our city. Council is making major, strategic investments to build a stronger sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ for generations to come.
Ìý
Ìý
Ìý
