The Cowichan Lake Sports Arena is holding a review of its curling facility.
Manager Linda Blatchford said it’s been more than 12 years since the last review of the curling facility, so the Cowichan Lake recreation committee decided it was time to hold another one.
The review will include a public survey and an open house that will be held on Nov. 14 at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena’s Curling Lounge, beginning at 6 p.m.
“Basically, we want to see if the curling facility is still viable in the community,” Blatchford said.
Blatchford said the review will also help identify the levels of public satisfaction with current recreational opportunities at the curling facility, as well as future opportunities for the facility that make the best use of the curling rink space.
She said research and analysis is also being undertaken into trends, leading practices, current facility operations and local market area characteristics as part of the review.
Blatchford said the review hopes to engage those who use the curling facilities, as well as those who use other parts of the Arena and the general public.
Lake Cowichan resident Ted Gamble also wants to make sure the community gets involved with the review.
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He said the curling facility is currently used only by about 50 people, while there appears to be no space for wellness or other programs that many see as important for the community.
“I have been a resident in Lake Cowichan for 10 years and believe our sports recreation arena is severely under-utilized, mainly due to the curling program,” Gamble said.
“I am not anti-curling, but am very disappointed with the programs offered at our recently upgraded facility due to limited funds and space. Our facility pretty much offers only hockey and curling opportunities. I believe with the conversion of the (curling facility) into multi-purpose use, we can dramatically increase citizen participation at our recreation centre.”
Blatchford said instructions on how to participate in the survey will be mailed to households in the Cowichan Lake area.
Copies of the instructions will also be available at the Arena, she said.
People can also participate in the review through PlaceSpeak at http://placespeak.com/CowichanLakeCurling.
Blatchford said a consultant will take all the information gathered during the review and present its findings to the recreation committee.
“We’re hoping it will be presented sometime in December,” she said.
