VIDEO: Okanagan College will finally get its own gym in Kelowna
It's been a long time coming, but students and faculty at Okanagan College's Kelowna campus will finally have a gym to call their own.
The $14 million Recreation and Wellness Centre was announced at a ceremony today that was aptly named 'Game Day'.
Most of the funds needed for the project are already in the bank, thanks in large part to a massive $5 million donation from business owner and philanthropist Don Folk.
A further $500,000 has been chipped in by Cliff and Lois Serwa for the project.
The former MLA remembers what humble beginnings the college had.
"My dad had the initial contract for the excavation, backfill and preloading of this site," he recalled.
"It was our local garbage dump."
Okanagan College President Dr. Neil Fassina made today's announcement with a call-out to the community to raise the final $5 million.
"With community support, we're hoping to open our doors in 2026," Fassina said to the crowd of athletes, faculty, dignitaries and others who packed the college's Trades Atrium for the occasion.
"This facility is going to enhance the Team OC experience and our local community," he added.
He also pointed out that the facility will not be just a home for varsity athletes but for intramural sports and fitness activities for all students.
OC Coyotes Basketball Coach and Manager Dino Gini has been operating the program on a self-funded basis without a home gym for seven years.
Gini didn't expect it would take this long, for the Coyotes to have their own home.
The men's and women's teams have been hosting games at Quigley Elementary School.
"It's something we've visualized and dreamed about and were hoping for and it's exciting," he said.
"It changes the whole culture of the college."
Construction is expected to begin as early as the spring of next year.
The facility will include the gymnasium, of course, along with a walking track and fitness suite.
For more information on the Recreation and Wellness Centre and how to contribute to the campaign, you can click here.
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