Thirteen tall columns, to represent the 13 moons of the local Indigenous calendar, will feature prominently in the rebuilt Parkinson recreation centre.聽
Indigenous perspectives 鈥渉ave been integral鈥 to the design of the $185 million facility, the costliest project ever undertaken by the City of sa国际传媒, councillors will hear Monday.聽
鈥淭he consultation process has been rooted in meaningful dialogue with Indigenous leaders, Elders, and community members,鈥 a report to council states.聽
鈥淭heir valuable insights and traditional knowledge have been thoughtfully incorporated into the design and functionality of the facility,鈥 the report says.聽
Lots of Indigenous art and symbolism will be contained in the new recreation centre, to be built immediately north of the existing 55-year-old facility.聽
Site preparation will start this spring with construction to begin in the summer and an anticipated opening expected sometime in 2027.聽
Here are some of the features in the new Parkinson recreation centre complex:聽
- five times more athletic space than the existing facility, three times as many programs, 2.5 times more aquatic space
- a 25-metre 10 lane pool, leisure pool, hot tub, cold plunge, steam room, three full-sized gyms
- fitness centre, running and walking track, food services聽
- the surrounding 19.4 ha park will have 24 pickle ball courts, six sports fields, and direct access to the Okanagan Rail Trail.聽
- childcare and a small 'express' branch of the Okanagan Regional Library聽
A new rendering of the rec centre will be presented to council on Monday. 鈥淎n intentional effort was made to avoid designing a building that looked and felt institutional,鈥 the report states.聽
鈥淭he shape and curvature of the building are welcoming and organic, with hard lines removed. Materials like wood were celebrated for their texture and finish,鈥 it says.聽
Letters of support for the design of the new building have been submitted by two members of the Westbank First Nation, Llana Teichroeb and Kim Kosik.聽
鈥淲e wish to express our strong support for the outstanding efforts in Indigenous integration, collaboration, and consultation that have been fundamental to the planning and design of the redeveloped Parkinson recreation centre,鈥 they say in their letter.聽
