Future Recreation: Tell us what you think!

For question #3, I desperately wish we had an indoor running track. Preferably one that would be open bright and early (5:30!) for the folks that love to run but don't feel comfortable running outside.

More funds need to go to offer more hiking and biking trails.

We live in a great natural area and it is beneficial for everyone to live actively.

Skiing, Hiking, biking, tennis

1.Hiking in Kal Park, swimming at the rec centre and lake, cross country skiing, attending the Performing Arts shows
2. For our family and our community's health. It brings us together and gets us in touch with nature.
3. More accessibility of swimming lessons for our child. A safer feeling in playgrounds (there are definitely some we avoid because of the potential of needles etc.) Continued emphasis on biking and walking routes and less emphasis on cars.

Removed by moderator.

1.Tennis, Pickleball, water skiing, Paddleboarding,bicycling and walking.
2. Recreation is an important part of everyone's life. It has been proven that people who are fit are less of a burden on the health care system. There are more and more people retiring here and moving the the Vernon area. We need facilities that will allow to stay in shape and provide a good quality of life.
3.I would like to see more tennis courts built at Marshall Fields with at least 2 courts being under cover. We do not have enough courts to run the programs that are required. Its hard to get enough exercise in the winter time. We have an active tennis community in Vernon many of which are seniors. Many people would consider staying in the area during the winter if some of their favourite sports could be played during the winter. That would keep more money in the city helping our local economy.

1. Skiing, climbing, biking, hiking, paddleboarding

2. Recreation makes life worth living! Enjoying the outdoors in this amazing community with friends and family... that's what it's all about.

3. In my opinion, one of the biggest priorities is more options for walking and biking within the city. When we lived in foothills, I was just stunned that there were no separate walking paths through the community, and no trails connecting it to the city. In the city itself, there are relatively few paths as well, although we're all very excited about the 30th Street development and the Kal Lake Road bike trail (not to mention the Rail Trail...) Awesome!

When we came to Vernon 6 years ago, we were all so surprised that for a community of 50K+, there was one 25m pool. So, a pool is desperately needed. But, there's no point building just a pool... I've read lots of comments about models for a rec centre, like Spruce Grove or whatever. My suggestion for a model would be Elevation Place in Canmore. Large pool, weight centre, climbing wall, art gallery... truly a centre for building community, for all ages. In many ways that facility is a bridge to the outdoor community as well.

I think we definitely need a 50m pool. More lanes for lap swimmers. Area open for public swims on Saturday and Sunday mornings for families who don't get into swimming lessons. Young families are out and about in the morning. It is too bad that they can't go to the aquatic centre.
Maybe higher diving boards would give a fun and different experience for kids. I would like to see new family change rooms. Maybe a big room with changing stalls, 3-4 changing tables.

I would like to see more Mom and Baby fitness lessons. (Yoga, baby wearing, stroller fit).

We also need to replace Peanut Pool at Lakeview Park. I think we need a heated small pool with a beach entrance. We could have a small splash park with toddlers slides connected to it. We definitely need to keep the location of that outside aquatic facility, as it is a perfect spot for young families and daycares to enjoy.

I strongly urge a second pool in Vernon. There has been little done for seniors...but we have lots of outside recreation for younger people, skaters, hikers etc. The lanes are full at the pool during lap and leisure, and the aquatherapy classes are too full to move. We have no other options if we can't walk on concrete in the winter...we need more room in the pool, so a second pool would be in order.

1. My favourite activities are pickleball, swimming lengths, using the fitness room at the rec centre, golf, walking and numerous other things. I skied downhill for many years but no longer due partly to the expense and poor weather conditions.

2. As a newly retired person having come from the LMD, regular activity is extremely important. I have been maintaining a regular fitness regime for over 35 years. As others have said this type of activity is extremely important for maintain good health and quality of life. Well proven medically and socially. I am not limited or restricted much by health concerns at this stage.

3. Vernon presents as a poor cousin to Kelowna and other Okanagan communities, like Penticton, for example, that have put considerable effort into planning, development and maintenance of good recreational facilities. For a city this size, in this modern age, Vernon's seriously lacks a variety of quality facilities, particularly for indoor recreation which is very important to have throughout the winter. Not everyone can afford to ski or snowmobile. Outdoor activities in the winter as very limited.

Vernon desperately needs a new, multifaceted recreation center similar to the Tri-leisure centre in Spruce Grove, AB and even other BC communities. I am not from AB either. Spruce Grove has a population of only 35,000. Vernon's rec centre is outdated, poorly maintained, too small and inadequate in almost every way. Very simply it is tired and reflects poorly on Vernon as a city. If Vernon wants to attract young families to change the demographic, enhance the tax base and revitalize the city then this is significant and hugely important part of the solution. Simply, Vernon needs to start growing up.

The Tri-leisure centre in Spruce Grove has two levels. It contains an Olympic sized pool, modern sauna, steam rooms, etc., and a completely separate pool area for children. It has very large, clean change rooms, with lots of area to dry off and space between benches to move. It has an area to put wet, muddy shoes and boots etc., to keep the rooms clean in winter and bad weather. No coin lockers - padlocks are used. It has two huge multi-use gyms, a running/walking track on the upper level, a variety of meeting rooms and other multi-use rooms for other activities, etc., etc, Full sized rinks are also incorporated as is the curling facility, though Vernon of course has those now. Additionally, there are viewing galleries on the upper level of the pool and for the rinks. There is also a state of the art fitness room. Such a facility could hold a variety of national or provincial competitions in various sports which would attract $$ to Vernon. Such a facility should also include an aqua therapy pool and/or walking pool would attract many other people who do not swim or cannot swim. Water therapy is proven to rehabilitate and reduce injuries and enhance cardiovascular health. In short, it provides facilities which will serve a very much larger part of the population in greater Vernon than the current facility does now. Additionally, a good outdoor pool would likely go along way. Frankly, I find the beaches and water access here generally poor as they are too small, too and overcrowded.

Vernon needs to step up and build a dedicated pickleball facility and not as part of a multi-use gym. As others have said it is the fastest growing sport in North America now and it is here to stay. It is not the responsibility of the Vernon Pickleball Association, a non-profit organization, to build a "publicly owned" facility. Every other major municipality in the Okanagan, including Osooyos has built pickleball courts for its citizens or expanded and modified tennis courts at public expense as tennis is clearly dying. Vernon is the only city which has not. While outdoor courts would be terrific, even now winter play is a serious problem because Vernon does not have the necessary gym facilities to properly accommodate pickleball. Additionally, PV gym is not particularly safe for pickelball given the short length of the gym, bleachers and benches in the way and a centre divider which players are frequently colliding with or tripping over. I hazard a guess to say that the number of pickleball players in Vernon is second only to hockey. It is played all year round every day of the week by large numbers of people.

I agree with others that have said access to beaches and waterfront areas needs to be improved. Vernon/Coldstream planning and development over the last three or four decades or so has almost eliminated public good access to the water except for those who have been able to build massive homes on the lake fronts. A moratorium should be put in place for waterfront residential or business development. An extensive plan needs to be developed to revitalize the waterfronts for public access, trails, etc, for future needs. As a person coming to Vernon from the LMD, it is clearly evident that Vernon has missed tremendous opportunity over the years to use its waterfront areas to the maximum. It has failed to create a balance between public access to water and residential and business interests. Victoria, Nanaimo and other smaller communities in BC have recognized this and have done extensive planning and redevelopment of their waterfronts over the last 30 years. Vernon seems to be stuck in the dark ages.

Vernon also needs a much better system of walking/biking (not hiking) paths in and around the city. Other communities like Langley, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody, Surrey and Delta have planned and developed wonderful walking and biking paths all throughout their cities, some of which easily connect residential neighbourhoods, taking advantage of green space or creating the necessary green space to accommodate the pathway systems. Vernon seems to have few or none.

Some one in this survey mentioned Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. I spent a week in Coeur d'Alene last year. They have done a tremendous job of revitalizing their city with parks and green spaces, pathways for walking and biking, including the abandoned railway, statues, sculptures out door art, flower baskets and other beautification methods which make the city look inviting and proud of itself.

In short, I agree with most of what has been said already but there is one significant caveat. Vernon needs to build for the future and keep looking to the future. It must be prepared to invest in the infrastructure and maintain it. Too much of what already exists in Vernon, is old, run down and poorly maintained. Little has been done in terms of redevelopment, renovation or beautification to modernize. Vernon depends on what most see as it natural assets but the city and regional governments do little to use those natural assets to the maximum.

It is clear that a long term financial plan for capital improvements and maintenance must be established otherwise what is built in the future will simply be outdated by the time it is built and later crumble. The city will be doing this all over again in 30-40 years. The other thing that needs to be done is to get rid of the multi-levels of ineffective government and bureaucracy in this region which hinders funding, good political decision making and overall progress.

My wife and I have been in Vernon since 1984, our rec centre is probably the most important facility and the most commonly used, it is vital for our community to maintain and improve this facility.
The changing rooms are poorly designed, little consideration is given to privacy when changing, we need more small cubicles and a better washroom and shower setup.
The basic plan of pools - hot tub - steam room - larger pool size could be considered & maybe a separate aqua therapy pool.
Consideration should be given to having an active youth centre - separated from the pool area of course, we picture this area as having a lot of good activities for youth in the ages of 10 to 18 (approx.) including rock climbing - games - graffiti - small concerts - dances - could include some lectures by our police - mayor - information on jobs etc. This area would be supervised with ID necessary, but this cost we believe is a worth while investment for the future of our community.
It should be realised that while we are building a second ice sheet, it seems that the majority of
our youth don't play hockey and are left out of the Vernon picture. BJR

1. My favourite recreational activities are running, swimming, biking and hiking. I also have two kids who swim with the Kokanee swim club.
2. Recreation is important to me because it keeps me healthy and improves the quality of life for my family and friends. I think recreation is a key part of making Vernon an attractive place to live.
3. We need a new 50 m pool and aquatic facility. The pool we have is inadequate. As many others have said, it is used by a variety of user groups who are often competing for space with the swim club. I swim with the Masters and our lanes are often crowded - in addition, morning times (6:30-7:30) make it challenging to get to work on time and evening swimming times mean not getting home until 10:00pm. Hosting a swim meet at the existing facility is embarrassing. The seating is woefully inadequate and there is nowhere for swimmers to sit while they wait for their races. We also are limited because we can't host long course meets and don't have a proper cool down area even for short course meets.
I also think that Vernon could benefit from more safe bike paths so that cycle commuting becomes a more attractive option. I commute by bike from Middleton to downtown and I need to carefully plan out my route in order to feel safe. If I have an errand to run after work, I really have to think about the safest route home. I know many people who have expressed a desire to bike to work, but are intimidated by the lack of safe biking options.
We live in a beautiful community, in an amazing part of the province and I think that we should continue to build infrastructure that improves recreation opportunities for both residents and visitors.

A newly active retiree couple who has relocated from Coq. Recreation facilities are important especially a larger swimming pool, gym and senior centre with programming to include day trips, card games, workshop education. To have an attached floor space to facilitate pilates/yoga classes.
Outdoor walking track for tai chi, walking groups,etc.

All beach areas need to be clean and provide good facilities for everyone as well as beach walkways as these areas should be available to all. A new aquatic center is badly needed so local residents dont feel they have to travel to Kelowna for this facility.
A new outdoor rink / facility in a good location would be desirable for the winter months.

My favorite recreational activities are indoor/outdoor volleyball, indoor/outdoor soccer, indoor floor hockey, and baseball. It is important to have these options as a way to live a healthy life, stay active, and socialize.
A recreational complex similar to the Tri Leisure Center in Spruce Grove, Alberta would be perfect for Vernon. It includes sheets of ice, indoor soccer fields, a running track, a full gym, and much more. It would be amazing to have such a building in Vernon as it would attract younger families to the area, showing that we have extra things to do in your off time if wanted. It is nice to have options.

My favourite recreational activities are pickleball and curling.
Recreation is important to stay active and fit and participate in our community.
What is in desperate need is dedicated pickleball courts indoor and outdoor. Right now we are going all over town using other sport facilities that have been provided and built by the City. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America so the City of Vernon needs to realize it is really lacking in facilities for playing pickleball. All other towns and cities nearby have dedicated courts paid for by the cities.

My favourite recreational activities are volleyball (beach and indoor) and yoga. I also enjoy walking/hiking outdoors. Recreation is important to me because it allows me to stay healthy, socialize with friends, and enjoy the outdoors. It would be nice to have an updated full-service recreation facility along the lines of Kamloops' Tournament Capital Centre, although I'm not sure if that's feasible in Vernon. A continued focus on both indoor and outdoor recreational activities is important to provide year-round recreation options. I also think that Vernon should take the opportunity to showcase leadership in inclusivity and sustainability when updating any recreation facilities.

MyFavourite recreational activities are swimming lengths, aquasize, fitness in the workout room, pickle ball indoors and outdoors, walking indoors and outdoors and Zumba

As an adult in my mid-50s, it’s important for me to keep moving, exercising and socializing. It’s about quality-of-life and maintaining well-being as I get older.

To improve recreation in Vernon we need access to more physical highquality facilities for the adult population and not just the senior oryouthpopulations.

A multi use facility is key. Spruce Grove community centre west of Edmonton is a massive multi use facility named after an Olympic athlete and isone stop shopping for a community And most importantly allows for recreation all year round. Vernon’s winters can be cold, damp, icyslipperysnowy. As adults we need indoor recreational activities just as much as youth...andchildrento. Unfortunately priority is always given to youthandchildrenwhen it comes to indoor facilities.

Pickle ball is one of the fastest growing sport in North America and it’s a game for all ages not just seniors. The pickle ball membership has exploded and a dedicated venue for both indoor and outdoor play is a real priority for this city. Dedicated in that it is not shared with other activities as the lines on the floor arecritical for visual identification, balance and mobility on the courts. Surface quality of the courts are also important for joint and injury prevention both indoors and outdoors. Asphalt...is not safe on the body and increases the risk of falls

I take real issue with sky volleyball getting a large percentage of recreational facility space in the city of Vernon. They already monopolize the majority of school Jim rentals and are given a lot of access to the PD gym. Perhaps this organization now needs to look at setting up their own facility as with gymnastics.

A 50 m pool combination and walking pool would be ideal for adults and seniors in Vernon. Sun City Arizona recreation centres offer a unique walking pool that is waist and chest deep, with warmer water and allows individuals of all ages to walk circuit using the principles of hydrotherapy. This is fabulous also for any athletes that are rehabbing . To offer an adult walking pool circuit would be a...Progressive option andaddition to any new pool facility.
Healthy retail vendors Such as booster juice or healthy custom made sandwiches etc...Inside heMultirecreational facility can help with revenue and provide nutritional support for athletes, families and individuals.
Change room facilities need to be wheelchair accessible and I would love to see a bathingsuit spinner.

To prevent wet and dirty boots and shoes from coming into any change room...outdoor shoes can be left at a central location within the recreation center. Creston...new recreational pool and fitness centre have this kind of set up and it decreases the amount of dirt and water in the lobby and the rest of the center. It also helps keep janitorial cost down

The city of Vernon also requires a minimum of one new very large gym with high ceilings that could hold up to eight dedicated pickle ball courts or4indoor tennis courts.

Like the Walnut Grove community center...inLangleyBC. Consider...Doors that open in a recreation facility to allow for airflow during the spring and or summer monthshave beautiful large glass doors that can be open in the spring months

Well hockey is it a popular sport, it really gets way too much attention in recreational facility allotment. It’s really time for Vernon to upgrade it’s Large...gymoptions and perhaps even offer two or three new gym facilities throughout the city versus just one in...onelocation

Sun City Arizona...usesolar panels whichcan be placed on top of buildings to help with electrical bills. Some of their recreational centres in Sun City Arizona actually use solar power for their entire electrical supply.

Finally facility accessibility for people with special needs and wheelchairs is critical at this day and age. The Rick Hanson foundation offers assessment certification for facilities to ensure access for the disabled. They also offer grants you can apply for to make your recreation facilities accessible for the disabled. Please consider wide doors, change rooms with ample changing space for a wheelchair to be able to turn around, curtains for privacy, elevators so that steers won’t have to be used ramps, railings and lockers that can be easily reached from a sitting position versus a standing position

I would agree with the idea of a bigger better pool and another beach volleyball area. Another indoor gym for drop in, indoor sports would be good too.