Original Published 10:10 May 06, 2022

By John Boivin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A proposed new sports and recreation facility at Playmor Junction should be more geared to outdoor than indoor activities, a report from regional government staff on the project recommends.

“While there is some concern about the costs associated with building and maintaining any development at the Campbell Field site (and impacts on taxes), there is a great degree of enthusiasm about some recreation development there,” says a report released late last month. 

The new report summarizes findings from a series of public consultations, held last fall. Then, the public was presented with two visions for the 8.5-acre site, which was donated to the regional government from the South Slocan Sports Association.

While both plans had many common elements, one had more space for indoor activities and events. The second option created more outdoor activity opportunities. A majority – about 57% – of respondents supported that option.

“The multi-activity nature of the development is welcome as a means to provide as many different activities for a diversity of user ages and interests,” the report says of the public input. “Considering the outdoor amenities, it was felt that they ‘fit’ better in that location than indoor amenities.” 

The option that will now go forward will see the space have a full-size soccer field, a 400-metre running track, basketball and tennis courts, a splash pad, a skatepark, a field house for change rooms and a building with an activity space about the size of a high school gym. There’s also a roof-covered outdoor space for sports and performance events.

“I’d like to thank and acknowledge the community for participating in this process and providing insight into their vision for Campbell Field,” said Walter Popoff, Director of RDCK Electoral Area H. “This is still early days of the project, and there will be more conversations to come – especially with the students and staff at Mount Sentinel School. But I believe that what is presented in this concept will support the recreation goals of the community, for now and for generations to come.”

Planning to continue

With a path forward chosen, RDCK staff say work will continue in developing the content and drawing up details.

“At this stage, the project moves from the strategic planning phase of the process into the tactical planning phase,” an RDCK release noted. “Tactical planning includes exploring the impacts and options of the development, the capital and operating financial implications, the development of an operational plan, and the recommended course of action to develop the project.”

Cost estimates will be developed to accompany the concept. These include capital costs (the cost to build the facility) and operating costs (how much it will cost to run the facility). An entire site plan will be developed showing outdoor amenities and where the recreation facility will be situated.

The public is invited to review the updated concept and and give feedback. The report is available on the RDCK website at www.rdck.ca/CampbellField.

This item reprinted with permission from Valley Voice, New Denver, British Columbia