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Similkameen Rec Centre getting upgrades in time for summer fun

Community pool will be ready for opening day July 1
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Keremeos pool will open on Canada Day, July 1, 2021. (File Photo)

Over the next few months, the Similkameen Recreation will be getting a number of facility upgrades. But the upgrades won’t impact the July 1 opening for Keremeos’ community pool.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) coordinates a variety of programs and services throughout the region and the Similkameen rec centre in Keremeos is a central location for year-round sports and wellness programs.

“As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease across the province, these updates and improvements will help ensure everyone has access to safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities,” said Electoral Area G Director Tim Roberts.

The RDOS is on track to host the regularly scheduled Canada Day pool opener on July 1. In addition, some early lessons and classes may be offered in late June, said Similkameen recreation manager Andy Foster.

“The Village of Keremeos is excited for residents and neighbouring communities to take advantage of the new updates to the regional facility,” said Keremeos Mayor Manfred Bauer.

Electoral Area B Director George Bush said the additional energy upgrades planned this year will help improve conservation and sustainability at the rec centre.

Over the next few months, the Similkameen recreation staff and contractors will be implementing a number of facility updates including the following:

Multi-purpose Rink

New lines have been painted on the surface for spring and summer activities. The layout includes four pickleball courts plus lacrosse lines. Lacrosse and pickleball clubs have already registered to play pending changes to COVID-19 protocols.

Community Pool

A new liner is being installed over the existing pool basin, along with new piping infrastructure, skimmer and return jets, additional deck storage, new heater and pump systems, and additional deck space and seating area when public gathering is permitted.

Bowling Lanes

A new digital scoring system is being installed on the five-pin bowling lanes later this summer.

Other projects in 2021:

• Energy upgrades

• Executing the first stage of a multi-year landscape rejuvenation project for the Similkameen Recreation Centre grounds

• Adding a basketball hoop to the indoor court space

• Facility upgrades to the building envelope including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and the skating rink refrigeration plant

READ MORE: Obsolete dam that blocks fish to the Similkameen River may come down

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Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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