Breaking ground for the redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre
News Release
The redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre has reached another milestone.
The existing PRC welcomes everyone of all ages and abilities and the redeveloped Parkinson Recreation Centre will do the same, designed to be an inclusive, welcoming space. It will be the community living room of the city and will have spaces for people to move, learn, grow, connect and socialize, both formally and informally.
To ensure our facilities reflect the unique character and natural beauty of our region—and honour the diverse perspectives within it—we are working in collaboration with Westbank First Nation and the Okanagan Nation Alliance to integrate syilx/Okanagan living history into the design and delivery of the Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative.
“Today marks a major milestone as we break ground on the most ambitious and transformative recreation facility in Kelowna’s history,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “This project is a cornerstone of our Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative—a long-term vision for our city’s future that strengthens recreation, health, wellness, sport, community infrastructure, and our local economy. The investments we’re making today will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
This milestone is the foundation of the project, propelling site mobilization and the exciting commencement of construction. With the exterior design plans for the redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre now complete and unanimously agreed upon by all partners, and the form and character development permit approved, the project team celebrates breaking ground on this project.
When complete, the redeveloped Parkinson Recreation Centre will include a 25-metre x 10 lane pool, leisure pool, hot tub, cold plunge, steam room, sauna, three full-sized gyms, fitness centre, a running/walking track, fitness studios, multi-purpose rooms, food services and the ORL express library. The facility will have five times more athletic space, two and a half times more aquatic space, and three times as many program than the existing PRC. The 19.4-hectare park, the equivalent of 20 football fields, will include six sports fields, 24 pickleball courts, connections to the Apple Bowl and Mill Creek, park space, and access to the Okanagan Rail Trail.
“The Parkinson Recreation Centre is a great example of what we all love about vibrant communities. We’re happy to have helped create a gathering space for families, seniors, and sports teams, and a place that people can enjoy in all weather, from running to swimming,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
The redeveloped Parkinson Recreation Centre will provide 91 childcare spaces with dedicated outdoor play space, youth zones, and two accessible playgrounds.
“Access to high-quality and affordable childcare is essential for families in growing communities like Kelowna. This project will create hundreds of new much-needed childcare spaces for the children of women and working parents in this community, giving them more peace of mind knowing they are dropping their children off in safe, nurturing and caring environment. It is a meaningful step toward meeting Kelowna families’ childcare needs and expanding the core services and supports they rely on every day,” said Rohini Arora, Parliamentary Secretary for Child Care.
The Building Stronger Kelowna initiative is the largest capital project in the City's history. The project is funded through a $241-million loan from the Municipal Finance Authority, as well as grant contributions. The City received $25.1 million from the Provincial-Federal Child Care New Spaces Fund to create 273 new childcare spaces. The project is additionally benefiting from a $13.2-million contribution that the City has received from the Growing Communities Fund provided by the Province of British Columbia.
The redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre has been a significant priority for the City of Kelowna for more than a decade. The Indoor Recreation Facilities Strategy identified this project as a crucial investment to address the wellness needs of the community. In 2023, Council approved funding for the planning, design, and construction under the Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative, which includes the redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre, all-ages activity centres in Mission, Glenmore and Rutland, and sports fields in Rutland Recreation Park. In recognition of aligned objectives to enhance community well-being and connection, the City is exploring opportunities for collaborative development and shared use of facilities with Okanagan College and University of British Columbia Okanagan.
