The Princeton Lacrosse Association (PLA) is putting some stick in the game, and hopes to emerge with a new $325,000 multi-use sports facility.
The project, if funded, would be located adjacent to the Princeton and District Arena on Old Hedley Road.
PLA president James Graham said the association, which he started two years ago, wants to build a lacrosse box – basically an outdoor rink with boards and a cement floor.
The box could also be used for pickleball, basketball, volleyball, rollerskating and floor hockey.
At a recent meeting, Princeton council agreed to commit 10 per cent of the cost of the facility –$31,250 – if the association can secure a $250,000 donation through the BC Gaming Grant Program.
The PLA has also approached the regional district for 10 per cent, and that request is still under review.
“The town will get a public facility that costs more than $300,000 to build for $31,000,” sais Graham.
“That’s a pretty good deal.”
He added during winter months there ought to be a way to utilize the arena’s cooling system to create an outdoor ice rink for skating and recreational hockey.
“I think what we are most exciting about it what we can bring to the community…It’s a great thing to have. You see these all over in small towns.”
Presently the PLA has about 20 members, and under COVID sports restrictions is running skills sessions twice a week at the arena, for one tyke and one novice team.
“Next year we hope to put a senior team together,” said Graham.
Before Graham, who is the town’s director of finance, moved to Princeton the last organized lacrosse game was played here in 1912.
“I’m not the guy who brought lacrosse to Princeton but I did restart it after 109 years,” Graham said.
The association is accepting new players until June 20.
Earlier this year the town gave the PLA $2,000 under its grant in aid program.
That money was used to purchase jerseys, lacrosse balls, goal tender gear and coaching clinics.
Related: Princeton may be home to a lacrosse league by 2020
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