City of Kamloops exploring use of two SD73-owned lots for future recreation

“Exactly what that recreation space is going to look like we haven’t fully decided,” Sherri Holmes, the city’s sport, recreation, and wellness manager told CFJC Today. “There is high demand for soccer, rugby, cricket, football – all kinds of outdoor field sports that we need more space to utilize.”

“We’re going to do an audit of our existing fields and what they’re predominately used for so that we can look at a longer term plan. We’re looking at a long term lease recognizing that school district won’t have a need for these plots in the near future.”

Speaking to CFJC Today Thursday (Sept. 17), Build Kamloops committee chair Kelly Hall said the agreement does not yet include a financial commitment.

“It’s an agreement we have with SD73 to let us start working on these lands, let us start looking at what the potential is with respect to what community needs are. It will grow from there,” Hall said.

“As a board, we are committed to working collaboratively to support learning and recreational opportunities for students, families and our community. By partnering with the City of Kamloops, we are pleased to help create additional recreational spaces where people of all ages can learn, connect and be active,” added SD73 Board Chair Heather Grieve, in a statement.

“School district facilities and land are public assets, and we’re pleased to be able to begin planning for utilizing these vacant lands optimally to enhance rich opportunities for students, families and residents in our district.”

Hall says the two sites would assist in hosting sporting events and tournaments in Kamloops while helping young people develop skills through healthy play.

“It would be very premature to determine exactly what’s going to go on the lands but, from an investment point of view, you want to make sure you’re utilizing the land with sound investment and, in the event the school district does need them down the road, they could revert back to them with minimal costs,” he said.

“As Build Kamloops chair, we’re always looking toward opportunities for outdoor recreation – whether it’s pickleball, whether it’s soccer, whether it’s cricket. These opportunities come with these types of agreements.”

– With files from Victor Kaisar & James Peters/CFJC Today

by Aaron Schulze

City of Kamloops exploring use of two SD73-owned lots for future recreation

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