The Greater Vernon Athletic Park isn’t open yet, but user fees have been set.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has amended its fees imposition bylaw to include the track and sports field next to Okanagan College.
“To allow public use and bookings, a fee structure must be in place to recover funding from user fees to offset some maintenance costs and to assist in funding capital replacement,” said Keith Pinkoski, parks manager, in a report.
For the running track, including the change rooms and lights, the hourly fee is $24 for adults and $12.50 for minor sports groups. The youth fee is 65 per cent of the adult rate.
In terms of the synthetic turf field, the hourly adult fee is $40 while the youth fee is 65 per cent of the adult rate. For minor sports groups, it’s $20 an hour.
There are also fees for the discus/javelin area and special events that include all facilities.
The facility is expected to be completed in July.
Park name considered
There are some options when it comes to the name of a new park.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has been presented with four options for 90 acres on top of Middleton Mountain.
They are Farnsworth Nature Park, Farnsworth Middleton Nature Park, Farnsworth Middleton Nature Reserve and Farnsworth Nature Reserve.
Roy and Dianne Farnsworth sold the property to the regional district in 2012, while Middleton represents both the name of a long-time local family and the mountain.
“I prefer something with Middleton in it because people know where Middleton is,” said Juliette Cunningham, GVAC chairperson.
A covenant on the property restricts use to recreation trails.
