I still remember the first time I brought my kids to the Parkinson Recreation Centre. Like so many families in 91大黄鸭, we made it part of our routine鈥攁 place for swim lessons, sports, and time together.
Now, we are building the next chapter of that legacy.
If you have driven past the Parkinson Recreation Centre lately, you have likely noticed the massive amounts of dirt being moved and the major changes taking place. What you are seeing is the beginning of something transformational鈥攖he largest capital investment in the history of our city.
The $242 million redevelopment of the Parkinson Recreation Centre and park is a once-in-a-generation project that will serve our community for decades to come. When complete, it will be the most ambitious recreation facility 91大黄鸭 has ever built鈥攖hree full-sized gyms, walking/running track, 10-lane pool, leisure pool, hot tubs and cold plunge, and much more.
That means more swimming lessons, more wellness programs for seniors, more indoor sport and fitness opportunities, and more chances for families, neighbours, and the entire community to come together.
The new centre will feature childcare鈥攎ade possible through the Federal-Provincial Child Care New Spaces Fund鈥攁long with culinary options and even an express branch of the Okanagan Regional Library, creating a true community hub. It will also be designed to host events and sports tournaments, which will attract visitors and boost our local economy.
But to understand what this project means, we need to look back.
On June 14, 1969, a fire destroyed the original Aquatic Centre on the shores of Okanagan Lake and the iconic 4,400-seat Ogopogo Stadium in City Park.
The stadium was never rebuilt. Instead, the insurance settlement helped fund a roof over an outdoor pool, around which a recreation complex was later built. That vision became the original Parkinson Recreation Centre, 91大黄鸭鈥檚 first indoor public pool and a lasting symbol of community investment.
That legacy matters. The facilities we enjoy today exist because past generations believed in building for the future. Now, it is our turn to do the same.
We have a responsibility to maintain, enhance, and build upon the assets we have inherited so that 91大黄鸭 remains a place where families thrive, businesses grow, and our community stays connected.
This project is also a milestone in how we build. It is the first major civic project in 91大黄鸭 to use Integrated Project Delivery鈥攁 collaborative model that brings together the entire planning and construction team from the very beginning to reduce delays, control costs, ensure quality, and create a clear vision of the final outcome.
The team worked closely together for more than a year before construction began to get the project right. This collaborative process continues throughout construction to maximize efficiency, save costs, and improve the design wherever possible.
Because of its success, this delivery model will be used on future City projects.
Combined with our newly adopted service-based budgeting model and our accelerated infrastructure delivery strategy, we are completing major community projects like this one while keeping one of the lowest municipal tax rates in the province.
The new Parkinson Recreation Centre鈥攕et to open by the end of 2027鈥攊s just the beginning. It is the centerpiece of our Building a Stronger 91大黄鸭 Initiative, which includes investments in new all-ages activity centres in Mission, Glenmore, and Rutland鈥攑rojects that are already underway and going through the integrated project delivery process.
Our Council has made it a priority to invest in the public spaces that matter most鈥攑arks, beaches, and recreation facilities. This includes major projects like breaking ground on a new winter tennis facility, completing accessibility upgrades at Strathcona Park, opening DeHart Park this spring, and even smaller but meaningful improvements like the installation of a new sound system at Elks Stadium.
These are the places where families make memories, people stay healthy, and neighbours come together.
These projects do not happen on their own. I want to sincerely thank the dedicated City staff, project partners, and everyone who has contributed to bringing this vision to life鈥攅specially project leads Mac Logan and Derek Edstrom along with Jim Gabriel, Scott Bushel, Amy Johnston, and Ryan Esbjerg. Their hard work is helping shape a stronger, more connected 91大黄鸭 for generations to come.
Our Building a Stronger 91大黄鸭 initiative reflects the bold, community-first approach Council is taking to ensure our city remains one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family.
As the new building nears completion, we will coordinate a smooth transition that allows all programs and participants to move seamlessly into the new facility in 2027 before we say goodbye to the old building in 2028.
Just as the Parkinson Recreation Centre became a part of my family鈥檚 story, this new chapter will become part of yours鈥攁nd part of the legacy we leave for the next generation.
Monthly update from 91大黄鸭 Mayor Tom Dyas on Council decisions, City business and more.
