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South Okanagan Photos

The Parks and Recreation Meeting – Pat Hampson reports

Oliver Parks and Recreation – board of directors:

The Society has received a letter from a resident Dean Keller requesting that heating be provided for the ‘disabled/family viewing area in the arena. Manager of Recreation, Carol Sheridan advised the Society that staff are presently looking at options for what might be a difficult task due to the location. The main issue is a source of power suitably close to the area. Society members offered two solutions one being a portable heater the other, routing waste heat from the compressor room via a duct system. The last option might be a serious problem if warm air spills onto the rink causing ‘soft’ ice.

Three Grants in Aid have been submitted to P&R; the Manager reported on all three and gave the Society her criteria for recommending two and refusing one.

V-Day Oliver-Osoyoos has asked for and has received a grant in aid for in-kind use of 10 hours of hall facility between February and April 2015 for rehersals. In return for the space and time V-Day will provide ‘Sponsorship Recognition in their V-Day Program. Sheridan’s recommendation included V-Day to be responsible for providing the $30.00 liability insurance fee. The Society approved the expenditure.

Desert Valley Hospice Society applied for a GIA in the amount of $48.34 to rent space in Lion’s Park. The Manager advised the Society that DVHS received a GIA last year and was notified in writing that because they are fundraising they would not be eligible again this year. Sheridan also told them that the OPRS would like to see the event continue and is recommending that the OPRS support the group by assisting with promotion and communication with the Ministry for permission to use the Hike and Bike Trail. The Society approved Ms. Sheridan’s suggestions but declined to offer a GIA.

The Oliver Lions/Lioness Club has requested a GIA of $65.14 to use Lions Park Sunday May 31st from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm. For the ‘Purina Walk for Dog Guides’. This event generates donations for Service Dogs at no cost to Canadians in need. Following the Walk there will be a celebration recognizing the 30th Anniversary of turning the sod for Lion’s Park. (May 1985). Since this event is part of a long lasting partnership with OPR which include public skating and concession services at the arena plus improvements to Lion’s Park over the years, Sheridan recommended approval. The Society agreed with her recommendation and approved the GIA.

Recreation Supervisor Katie Eaton reported that Kyle Fossett who is filling in for Jenny Anderson, has been hired as the Recreation Assistant; he will start March 23rd. Those of you who have met him have found he is very friendly and helpful. Congratulations Kyle.

Katie has lots of great programs for Children and Tykes including Drumming for Kids, Drumming for grandparents and Grandkids and an Adult Class. Another program will be the ‘Art Sampler with Sally Franks and Leza Macdonald. Day Camp Planning has begun and the hope is we will see a ‘Mini-Chefs’ Program and a Beading and Sewing Day Camp.

Registration for Spring/Summer programs starts Monday, March 9th. Pool registration will be Monday, May4th.

For those who use the weight room there is good news and some bad news for those who have not made the decision to start training. Due to the incredible rise in memberships, P&R Staff will not be accepting any more applications for membership until the Spring when user numbers drops off. At present there are 80 people registered who use this facility on a regular basis. Even though the adjacent Room 2 is used for the overflow, P&R cannot absorb any more than the present number of users.

Remember to take time to visit the Community Center Wednesday 25th February 1:00pm to 4:00 pm and February 26th 9:00am until 12 noon and share your visions for our parks. There will be a ‘Healthy Living’ Fair February 28th in the Community Hall. Admission is free and there will be demonstrations and speakers.