Showers on track for new facility

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 19, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Athletes will be able to get squeaky clean after working up a sweat at the new sports complex. The Regional District of North Okanagan board gave the green light Wednesday to spend $340,000 on showers in the change rooms at the Greater Vernon Athletic Park. “This decision is precipitated by granting but we can’t say where it’s coming from because they haven’t announced it yet,” said director Bob Fleming of the outside agency providing funds. “We have strong promises and verbal commitments but we don’t have cheques yet.” If all of the grants don’t materialize, RDNO will dip into reserves to complete the project. “It’s not adding to anyone’s taxes,” said Fleming, who admits the price tag for showers is steep. “It seems like a lot of money and that’s why it wasn’t put into the original facility budget.” However, he says the project requires more than shower heads and drains. “The roof will be redesigned to accommodate the showers, walls will be installed and plumbing will be installed. It’s a square footage expansion.” RDNO’s decision on showers means the interior of the washroom building won’t be completed until possibly August instead of an early July opening. Fleming believes sports groups will be happy with the move. “We were hearing about a lack of showers from a lot of people.” It was announced in March that the $7.5 million athletic park is $790,000 over budget.