Community input leads to a vision for Campbell Field
April 29, 2022
Nelson, BC: Last November, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) presented two high-level options for the reimagination of Campbell Field to the community for input. More than half of the people who provided input on the concepts (57%) said they preferred the option with a greater focus on outdoor elements. Based on the information gathered, a single concept was developed.
“I’d like to thank and acknowledge the community for participating in this process and providing insight into their vision for Campbell Field,” said Walter Popoff, Director of RDCK Electoral Area H. “This is still early days of the project, and there will be more conversations to come—especially with the students and staff at Mount Sentinel School. But I believe that what is presented in this concept will support the recreation goals of the community, for now and for generations to come.”
The two high-level concepts were developed based on a previous community survey. Option 1 had a greater focus on the indoor elements, and Option 2 had a greater focus on outdoor elements. Between November 22, 2021 and January 5, 2022, the concepts were available for viewing at a number of community locations and on the RDCK website. A virtual public information session was hosted on December 5, during which the two concepts were presented. A total of 375 comments were gathered though this process.
Overall, respondents indicated that a multi-activity development that makes use of outdoor amenities, while providing some respite from the weather in all seasons, would be the best fit for the community. The updated concept includes the following features: full-size soccer field, track and field amenities, field house, basketball and tennis courts, splash pad, skate park, bike pump track, and park space.
The involvement of the community and youth will continue to be a priority as the project progresses. Gathering more detailed information about potential use is vital, as are partnerships with schools and community organizations.
At this stage, the project moves from the strategic planning phase of the process into the tactical planning phase. Tactical planning includes exploring the impacts and options of the development, the capital and operating financial implications, the development of an operational plan, and the recommended course of action to develop the project. Further direction from the RDCK Board of Directors and input from the community will be sought at key points as the project moves forward.
The community is invited to review the updated concept and the feedback report, “Campbell Field Feasibility Study: Concept Development,” on the RDCK website at www.rdck.ca/CampbellField.
Located at the Playmor Junction, adjacent to Mount Sentinel Secondary School and the Slocan Valley Rail Trail, Campbell Field was gifted to the RDCK in 2016 by the South Slocan Sports Association. In the fall of 2020, the RDCK initiated public engagement through surveys and consultations to learn about the community’s priorities and preferences for indoor and outdoor recreation. Previous reports and the two high-level concepts are also available on the project web page.
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The content on this page was last updated April 29 2022 at 6:31 AM