Beasley Park Gets a Grant

When Premier Christy Clark announced the funding to be provided through the Community Recreation Program, at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in September 2011, the District of Lake Country wasted no time in putting together a case for receiving a grant to renovate the Beasley Park community centre and add lighting to the fields.

How excited we were to find out that $400,000 in funding from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development was approved for the proposed projects in Lake Country through the Community Recreation Program. Many residents, visitors and sports groups in Lake Country regularly use the fields and facilities at Beasley Park. These some 21,500 people participate in recreational activity using the park amenities as part of their healthy lifestyle. And we want to make it even more attractive for people of all ages and abilities to get out there and enjoy recreation at our parks.

As Mayor Baker mentioned recently, local government, the province, and the health authorities want to work together to provide opportunities that make it easier for people to make healthier choices, every day. And what better way to demonstrate effective collaboration, than by making quality recreation infrastructure easily accessible – which will attract residents and tourists to the community.

Maybe you heard the funding announcement on AM 1150 News/Talk/Sports show on Saturday, or saw the news crews and dignitaries tromping around with Mayor James Baker, MLA Norm Letnick and Director of Parks Steve Schaffrick at Beasley Park on Saturday, March 17th to participate in the formal announcement of the $400,000 investment.

So what is going to be done with the $400,000 you wonder? For starters, the Beasley Community Centre will get a new multi-use deck (approx. 1,840 sq. ft.); as well as new wood floors, a fitness system mounting and relocation of the sound system; plus a renovation of the showers and washroom facilities; and a new toilet room. Then when you step outside on to the fields, there will be new field lighting towers on Beasley Field #2, and more work done on the landscaping.

Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick acknowledged, "Both the upgraded community centre and soccer fields will be put to great use. The Youth Soccer Association will be pleased with this project. Bigger isn't always better, but Beasley Park is about to be both."

Click on this link to browse page by page through the exciting Spring 2012 Lake Country Leisure Guide and decide what activities you, your friends, and family members can participate in at our beautiful parks and facilities. And mark your calendar so you can plan to come out to Beasley Park to join in the local celebration on Canada Day, July 1^st.

Karen Miller – Lake Country Customer Service