New track almost ready

by Darren Handschuh CASTANET- Aug 13, 2015 / 5:00 am

While the official opening of the new community sports field and athletic facility is still a few weeks away, people will be able to check it out sooner than that. Tannis Nelson, community development co-ordinator with the Regional District North Okanagan, said an official opening is planned for later in September, but a soft opening will happen much sooner at the facility, located next to the Kalamalka Campus of Okanagan College. “They are just finishing the lines on the synthetic track. We are hoping for a soft opening as soon as the lines are completed,” said Nelson, adding construction of the buildings is also near completion. The soft opening will give people a chance to try out the $7.5 million facility. “We're going to have an informal 'try the track day,'” said Nelson, adding an exact date is not yet known. “It's looking great. People are keen to get out there and try it.” Once open, the facility will be available for the general public to use, free of charge. Rental fees will only apply when the facility is being booked for special events or programming. Consistent with other Greater Vernon parks, the facility can be booked through the recreation centre.“We realize people are excited to get out there and start using the track and field, which is why we will be opening them up to the public as soon as they are ready to go” says Regional District of North Okanagan director Bob Fleming.
The project includes:
- a high-quality, regulation sized synthetic track, which will have a long life and meet all International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) requirements;
- one regulation-sized synthetic turf field, appropriate for football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse and field hockey;
- one natural turf field;
- seating for four-hundred spectators;
- four change rooms, showers and washroom facilities;
- a classroom and meeting room