Saturday, December 04, 2010

District denies it is opposed to track site

 Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 04, 2010 12:00 PM 
The Vernon School District is neither in favour or opposed to a proposed track and field facility.  Some media reports have suggested the school district has concerns that the site at Okanagan College is too far away and will increase busing costs. However, the district says that’s not an official position.  “I don’t know who would have made that comment,” said Bev Rundell, superintendent.  “We haven’t made any comments on it, it hasn’t been discussed by the board and we haven’t been presented any information on it.”  Rundell would not speculate on whether a sports facility at the college would be problematic for transporting students to track and field events.  “The schools decide where they offer services and transportation,” she said.  “Until we see what the facility looks like and what the costs may be (for rent), it’s hard to comment.”  Presently, many schools hold track and field events at the Polson Park oval, which is not regulation sized.  “There’s not too many schools within walking distance of Polson Park and busing is a factor there,” said Bill Turanski, school district chairperson.  “It’s not an issue we couldn’t overcome (at the college).”  The North Okanagan Regional District is proposing to construct a $7.8 million facility on 10 acres leased from Okanagan College over 40 years.  No timeline has been set for construction as the Agricultural Land Commission must approve a non-conforming use within the Agricultural Land Reserve. Greater Vernon residents would also have to approve borrowing $7.8 million in a referendum.
“A state-of-the-art track and other facilities would be useful to us,” said Turanski of students.

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