The Oliver Parks and Recreation Society (OPARS) operates the Community Centre which includes the arena, swimming pool, community hall, recreation programming, sports fields and a weight room. The Society has been desirous of enlarging and better equipping the weight room. Adding on to the building was looked at last year but deemed too expensive.

However, approximately $40,000 is in the capital budget for equipment. Recently the Cactus Tree Fitness Club provided its members with notice that the club will be closing effective January 31, 2015. The owners will be selling the majority of their fitness equipment, much of which is fairly new or otherwise in good working order. This equipment would fill in many of the ‘holes’ in the society’s weight room.

Given that used equipment is much less expensive than new equipment, the existing budget is likely enough to complete the weight room with the variety and quality that users expect. In order to accommodate the additional equipment, additional space is necessary. Without grant funding, adding onto the building is too expensive, I concur. However, I believe that OPARS can accommodate an expanded weight room by repurposing Room 2 and Room 1, as well as using the large ‘hall’ and other hall rentals available in the Community for some of its programming and demands for meeting rooms.

I believe its important for the Society to improve fitness facilities available to the Community as early next year it will be the only one available to the local area of 10,000 residents. I would guess that with the orphaned Cactus Tree members and  people presently travelling to Osoyoos and Penticton for a proper weight room, the Society’s weight room could double its membership. The Society holds its monthly meeting on Monday, October 20th at 6 pm in Room 1. It is open to the public. I’m going to be making a presentation to the Board advising it of this opportunity to purchase equipment and encouraging it to rededicate space to realize its wish to the improve the weight room. If you have an interest in this initiative I encourage you to support it through your attendance. If you have any questions or comments you are welcome to contact me at 250-689-0051.

Don Rudzcki