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Recreational demands grow in Lumby

Some residents have suggested that Pat Duke Memorial Arena be expanded to include a fitness facility
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Lumby politicians are taking a cautious approach when it comes to demands for recreational activities.

Some residents have suggested that Pat Duke Memorial Arena be expanded to include a fitness facility while the women’s change rooms are being upgraded.

“A lot of it will come down to cost and whether it will fit into the facility,” said Randall Ostafichuk, a Lumby councillor and White Valley Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee director.

“We need to determine what the public need is.”

There is currently about $175,000 available for the change rooms, including the $100,000 Lumby received from winning the Hockeyville title.

It’s not known what a fitness facility will cost, but some residents have suggested fundraising.

“I’m ready to raise cash in hopes to make it a reality for my hometown,” said Angie Clowry, who was involved with Hockeyville.

To kick things off, there will be a Bull Bash Rodeo April 22 at the arena.

“Top bull riders from around B.C. are committed to ride bucking bulls,” she said.

There will also be an adult dance April 22 with Vancouver’s The Rollin’ Trainwreck headlining.

A limited number of tickets will be on sale March 20 for the Bull Bash at Take Two Dinner and a Movie as well as Jitterbeans Coffee House.

“We’re only selling 100 family passes for $110 each and then a few handfuls of adult and children’s tickets,” said Clowry.

Tickets for the dance are $30 each.

Ostafichuk appreciates Clowry’s efforts to support a fitness facility.

“The more money that comes through fundraising reduces the tax burden but we have to be responsible for the tax dollars spent on construction and maintenance,” he said.

The goal is to have the change rooms upgraded for 2017 but Ostafichuk admits pursuit of a fitness facility may change the timeline.

“We don’t want to keep putting it (change rooms) off but we if we can get more value for our dollar, we need to consider it,” he said.