Down to two: feedback sought on recreational facility options for Playmor Junction
By Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
People have until the end of the week to offer feedback on two ‘high-level conceptual options’ for a regional district recreational facility at the Playmor Junction.
The deadline for feedback is Friday, Dec. 17 for the “reimagination” of Campbell Field, with the two options based on the results of a public engagement process in the fall of 2020.
Panels highlighting the differences and features of the two options were created and — along with background information and “inspirational” photos — are being presented online and in select locations (see “to view” below).
The difference between the options is multi-faceted, with the first option containing more of an indoor focus, with a building that has a large activity space the size of an arena pad.
The first option would also include a larger indoor performance space, more significant parking requirements and less outdoor sport and activity space.
The outdoor focus of the second option contains a building with a large activity space the size of a high school gymnasium, and a large roof-covered outdoor space (for sport and performance).
There is less significant parking requirements with the second options and more outdoor sport and activity space.
After the options are narrowed down to one a cost estimate will be developed for the concept, including capital costs — the cost to build the facility — and operating costs of how much money it will take to run the facility.
In addition, a site plan will be developed showing outdoor amenities and where the recreation facility will be situated.
Once the panels are viewed on the two options people are encouraged to provide their feedback through an online (or print) form.
Field of dreams
Six years ago Campbell Field — located adjacent to Mount Sentinel Secondary School — was gifted to the regional district by the South Slocan Sports Association.
The Association had owned the field since the 1930s when it was acquired from West Kootenay Power. Thanks to a covenant on the title of the property it has always been used for sports and cultural activities.
RDCK director for Area H (Slocan Valley) Walter Popoff saw the potential for the field as a location for recreation development since it was a central location for many people in the RDCK.
“The ability to satisfy the recreation needs of area residents is a great opportunity that we need to explore. This is a great gift that we have been given,” he said.
Two years ago RDCK Recreation sought feedback from the community through several surveys to compile a list of the community’s priorities and preferences for indoor and outdoor recreation, resulting in 1,200 responses.
The survey results were analyzed and shared in March 2021 in the Campbell Field Feasibility Study: What We Heard Report.
To view
Panels on the two options can be viewed at the following locations during regular open hours:
- Nelson and District Community Complex (305 Hall Street);
- Castlegar and District Community Complex (2101 Sixth Avenue);
- Slocan Valley Rec Commission office (3036 Highway 6, Slocan Park);
- Campbell Field tennis court, located opposite Mount Sentinel Secondary School, Playmor Junction; and
- Online at www.rdck.ca/CampbellField.
Going deeper
A virtual information session was held on Dec. 1 on the proposals and a video was made of the presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=5vz8aPhcw_k&feature=emb_logo.
At the same online location, people can access the concept panels, provide feedback through this online survey, read the survey results report and learn more about the Campbell Field project in general (www.rdck.ca/CampbellField).
