Exercising at Wesbild Centre can be a real pain for some people.
Hundreds of people walk around the concourse at the multi-use facility daily but the hard concrete surface is proving challenging.
“It’s hard on the joints in general,” said Tannis Nelson, Regional District of North Okanagan community development co-ordinator.
Director Catherine Lord has also heard similar complaints.
“A lot of seniors use the multiplex for walking and there are concerns about backaches,” she said.
Nelson isn’t sure why the impact of concrete on people’s bodies wasn’t considered when Wesbild was built in 2001.
Staff will consider possible options to address the situation, including possibly installing a rubber surface across the entire upper concourse of the facility.
“We will look at other communities to see if they have done similar things so we make the right choice,” said Nelson.
A key part of the review will be the potential cost of a surface and whether any private sector or government grants are available.
An outdoor running track is part of the proposed sports complex at Okanagan College, but even if that goes ahead, Nelson believes walking will remain a popular activity inside Wesbild Centre due to the shelter provided.
“There are people who are more comfortable walking indoors for personal reasons or because of the weather,” she said.
