Tuesday July 28, 2020 ~ SOOKE, BC
by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
The opening celebration was scheduled for March 27, but COVID had other plans. Now in mid-July, the new weight room and fitness studio
at the SEAPARC Leisure Complex as constructed last year and into spring of 2020 was officially celebrated. The expanded space opened to the public on February 7. A few finishing touches out front of the facility continued into March.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) and Sooke Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission (SEAPARC) this week were pleased to announce the new weight room and fitness studio expansion at their recreational facility in Sooke.
The $3.4 million expansion project was made possible with the assistance of a $1.24 million grant from the Federal Gas Tax Fund, combined with $2.16 million in capital reserve funds put aside from the annual property tax levy from taxpayers in both the District of Sooke and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area.
Expansion of space and activities:
The addition enhances the diversity of programs and recreation opportunities the complex offers with its current ice arena (built in 1976), two pools, one multi-purpose room and a meeting room (built in 2000).
It increases the footprint of the complex by 478 square metres (5,150 square feet), which includes a 36 square metre (383 square foot) boardroom, a 144 square metre (1,550 square foot) fitness studio and a 334 square metre (3,600 square foot) weight room. SEAPARC also owns and operates a bike park, skate park, baseball diamond and the DeMamiel Creek Par 3 golf course.
The bright open-space fitness area with high-impact durable Mondo Ramflex interlocking flooring includes lots of workout equipment such as exercise bikes and treadmills for cardio, as well as bench press and weights for muscle strengthening. And there’s free wi-fi!
A wall of mirrors facilitates use of the room for dance or fitness. A bank of lockers and water fountain top off the many interior improvements. Overhead LED lighting complements the big-window natural light. There is a handy storage area for sports equipment. And there’s a sound system.
Booking a spot:
It’s time to pick up where you left off with fitness, says SEAPARC. Their weight room and select fitness classes are now available!
- View schedules and availability at www.seaparc.ca
- Reserve a timeslot online or by phone
- Health and safety protocols keep you safe while you workout
- Yoga, Indoor Cycling and Power Circuit Classes available
COVID time-lag:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SEAPARC facility was closed to the public on March 17, however, following appropriate health and safety guidelines, the weight room has now re-opened for limited use (announced July 27).
The project’s overall construction timeline is outlined here: https://www.crd.bc.ca/project/past-capital-projects-and-initiatives/seaparc-leisure-complex-expansion
Quotes (provided by CRD):
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities: “The addition of a weight room and fitness studio at the Leisure Complex in Sooke is great news for people who want to get exercise and live a healthy lifestyle. The new facilities will provide more options for fitness programs and recreational activities. Canada’s Infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds stronger communities.”
John Horgan, Premier of BC: “The expansion of the SEAPARC Leisure Complex offers this growing region greater program diversity and increased recreation opportunities while providing a welcoming space for everyone in the community to enjoy.”
Maja Tait, Mayor of Sooke and President of the Union of BC Municipalities: “The new facility will serve the healthy, active lifestyles of residents in our region. I appreciate the contributions of the federal Gas Tax Fund to support this project and thousands of others around the province.”
Mike Hicks, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Director: “This facility will be tremendous for the residents of Sooke and Juan De Fuca. We are excited to have access to this new fitness space and equipment, which is so important for the health and wellbeing of our community.”
Al Beddows, SEAPARC Chair: “The Commission is delighted that we can now officially open the new weight room and fitness studio. Although somewhat dampened by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is finally here for the families of greater Sooke to use. Special thanks to the Union of B.C. Municipalities for the $1.24 million grant to make this showcase addition possible.”
