Sparwood will begin to explore options for recreation as the Multi Purpose Facility recently moved to a ‘Now’ item on the Strategic Priorities Chart (SPC). The SPC guides the focus of the organization and sets key items as workplan priorities.
Adjusting the Multi Purpose Facility to a ‘Now’ item began from several conversations regarding space and storage issues recognized within the current Recreation Facility. “We are acutely aware of the limitations of our current facility, with not only limited space for programs but a lack of storage space as well,” says Sparwood Mayor, David Wilks. “With the Community Hall being our only large indoor space for events and programming, it prevents us from being able to host multiple activities at the same time and limits programming diversity options. We hear clearly from the community that people are interested in arts and crafts, fitness, DIY and social focused programs, which we struggle to offer concurrently due to space constraints. We also recognize the challenges due to a lack of storage and aware of how those issues impact staff, user groups and the community.”
At the regular meeting of Council held on June 4, 2024, Council approved a Terms of Reference for a select committee called the Recreation Facility Advisory Committee (RFAC) which will be tasked with exploring indoor recreation facilities and amenities and how to incorporate the current recreation facilities services with a new building. “The RFAC will play a very important part in determining how, or if we proceed with a new facility,” says Mayor Wilks. “They will be acting in the role of a liaison, communicating and gathering feedback from their respective focus areas and members of the public as it is important the Committee’s recommendations to Council come forward based on feedback from public engagement. We want to hear from everyone and make decisions with confidence that people have a comprehensive understanding of the project and their voices were heard.”
The RFAC will consider and review all of the information and work done by the Multi-Purpose Facility Advisory Committee which dissolved in 2022 and will consider best practices in the provision of recreation services, facility design and development. The RFAC will make recommendations to Council regarding things like facility location, operational considerations, operational cost implications, total project costs and how the current recreation facility will fit into the overall provision of Recreation in Sparwood. “With a Facility Condition Assessment coming to Council soon regarding the lifespan of the current Leisure Centre and the critical infrastructure within it, there will be a lot of decisions to make. We know how important recreation is to the wellbeing of Sparwood residents and we want to ensure we are well prepared for the future ahead,” says Mayor Wilks.
Recruitment for the RFAC will begin in early June with appointments being selected by Council in August. More information will be available on the District of Sparwood website at www.sparwood.ca.
Post Date: June 11, 2024 | Category: News & Updates Send Notification