The Town of Oliver Parks and Rec news roundup
Tennis, anyone?
Some tennis buffs just can’t wait for winter to be over.
The board received many requests to erect the nets during a warm spell in January. As a result, the society put up its oldest net at the end of January.
Weather dependent, all of the nets will be erected soon.
Weight room usage up
Recreation manager Carol Sheridan reported that the weight room is seeing record usage.
She noted their team of trained weight room volunteers has grown to six. These individuals will be doing regular inspections of the facility and equipment, checking for current membership cards and ensuring patrons use the equipment safely.
Sheridan noted they are experiencing challenges, such as dirt being tracked into the facility and people using their keys to access the gym after their memberships have expired.
Oliver 10K planned
The Parks and Recreation Society has reclaimed organization of the Oliver 10K race, so preparation is underway.
The event will take place at the community park on April 13. This race is part of the Interior Road Race series and draws between 100 to 200 participants from the South Okanagan, Lower Mainland and Washington State.
Wine Capital tourney cancelled
Due to low registration, this year’s Wine Capital Hockey Tournament for players 55 and over has been cancelled.
It was slated for March 4-6.
“We will be looking to make some changes to the format and dates to see if we can bring the numbers back to where they need to be in 2015,” said recreation manager Carol Sheridan.
She stated that Mark Weinrich and Terry Baptiste, members of the Oliver Flyers hockey club, are organizing a new men’s tournament with a dinner and dance at the end of March.
Grant did wonders
The society was successful in its grant application to host a BC Family Day event in February.
On February 10 the society hosted a free public skating event at the arena. Nearly 200 people attended.
The $1,000 grant helped to cover the cost of promotion, admissions, skate rentals, food and beverages provided by the Lions Club, and staff wages.
Society gives to Desert Valley
The board has approved a grant-in-aid request from Desert Valley Hospice Society for the use of Lions Park on May 4 for the annual Hike for Hospice event.
Park booking fees ($95) for the event have been waived. However, the board is encouraging Desert Valley to find a sponsor for next year’s fees.
Dog committee proposed
The board passed a motion to form a citizens dog committee to educate community park users on the Town’s Animal Control Bylaw.
The board will also increase signage and pet waste bags, and work with the Town on bylaw enforcement.
Director Tamela Edwards expressed concern about the safety of citizens who might be approaching irresponsible dog owners and their canines. Director Terry Baptiste suggested spending more money and time enforcing bylaws from 9 am to dusk.
