With city council approval, the Campbell River Youth Soccer Association is continuing its efforts to establish the future Rotary Community Fieldhouse at Robron Park for Campbell River sports groups.
At its March 27 meeting, council approved the concept and guiding principles for use of the proposed fieldhouse, which includes the city operating and maintaining the proposed facility.
The city will cover the construction cost of the change rooms and washrooms and supply of water, sewer and storm drain services.
Campbell River Youth Soccer Association is leading the fundraising campaign for the remainder of the new building.
In return for their efforts on this project, the association has requested that sports groups have priority use of the Rotary Community Fieldhouse.
They have also requested exclusive use of storage and office space.
Public use of the fieldhouse would be focused on the banquet room/deck area (primarily for covered spectator viewing of field activities), change rooms and washrooms, which would be regularly scheduled for use, with an additional washroom open daily for all Robron Park users.
Detailed design and final costs will follow fundraising, with the potential for council to consider the project as part of the 2018 Financial Plan.
Innovative elements proposed for the building include solar panels as a demonstration installation. Electricity costs savings are anticipated to pay for the solar panels within 10 years.
The panels have an estimated lifespan of 50 years.
“Fieldhouse facilities are central to supporting the continued development of local sports groups and are important to their ability to host tournaments.
Dedicating the Rotary Community Fieldhouse for use primarily by sports groups will establish the facility as a central hub for activities at Robron Park, as well as a central facility for all sports groups in the community,” says Mayor Andy Adams.
“Council greatly appreciates the Campbell River Youth Soccer Association championing the construction of the fieldhouse for the benefit of multiple sports groups.”
“The 2009 Robron Park Master Plan included the concept of a central fieldhouse, and the proposed location of the fieldhouse, in the centre of the park, lends itself naturally to primary use by sports groups as a change facility, covered viewing area and a location for sports training clinics and meetings,” adds Ross Milnthorp, the City’s general manager of parks, recreation and culture. “In addition to this regular use, it will be possible to rent out the banquet room to community events and activities when not in use by sports groups.”
Along with Nunns Creek Park and Willow Point Park, Robron Park is one of three outdoor sports complexes in Campbell River.