Dignitaries, politicians and members of Lake Country gathered on the weekend to celebrate the official re-opening of the Beasley Community Centre after the completion of renovations and the installation of the second set of playing field lights.
The $620,000 project is now complete and featured many improvements. The District of Lake Country received a $400,000 grant from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development’s Community Recreation Program to go towards the upgrades at the facility while the DLC put forth the rest of the money to complete the project.
“This community centre renovation project and the increased programming that goes with it encourages healthy living and provides recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities,” said Lake Country mayor James Baker. “I’ve seen some of the soccer groups out on the fields under the new lights, as well as the new activity programs being offered at Beasley Community Centre this fall, and I know the whole community will benefit for years to come as a result of this investment in recreational infrastructure.”
This project renovated the Beasley Community Centre and installed lighting at field#2 at Beasley Park including:
•New multi-use deck (approximately 1,600 sq. ft.)
•New flooring system (approximately 1,600 sq. ft.)
• Fitness system mounting
•Upgrade interior lighting
•Relocate sound system
•New heating and ventilation system
•Renovate washroom facilities
•Install field lighting towers and lights.
The project will serve a population of up to 21,500 people, including Lake Country’s many seasonal residents and visitors, and it provides expanded opportunities for sports clubs from other communities to visit when local groups host tournaments using the upgraded Beasley facilities.
The addition of field lights on Beasley #2 field allows for an increase in use to the sports fields by over 200 hours per year.
“The revitalized Beasley Community Centre will serve the families of Lake Country by expanding the opportunities for community events and organized sport,” said MLA Norm Letnick. “Our provincial contribution of $400,000 is an investment in this community, and along with the tireless work with our friends at the District of Lake Country, has made this project a reality.”
The Province’s $30-million Community Recreation Program was developed to help local governments meet the costs of capital projects that make communities healthier, more active places in which to live. Through the program, the BC Government has provided grants for 98 recreation projects throughout BC – to help fund everything from bike paths, trails, fitness facilities and walkways to playgrounds and recreation centres.