More than 2,000 residents from the Nelson area have shared their views on how to improve local recreation services. This feedback was collected over the past 10 months through surveys, meetings, and other forms of public engagement. The effort was part of a consultation led by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK).
Community members voiced many ideas about how to upgrade existing spaces and what new features might be needed. Their input came from various backgrounds, including families, seniors, youth, and sports organizations. Each group brought its own goals, values, and priorities to the discussion.
Keith Page, who chairs the Nelson and District Recreation Commission and serves as a city councillor, said the process has sparked strong discussions. He noted that many passionate opinions were shared and that the ongoing conversations are helping decision-makers better understand the community’s needs.
The RDCK has now released a final report summarizing the results of the consultation. The report, published in July, focuses on a group of local recreation spaces that are part of what’s being called the “recreation campus.” This includes the Nelson and District Community Complex (NDCC), the Civic Centre and Arena, the Nelson Soccer Association’s indoor field, and the former Nelson Curling Club building, which is currently closed due to structural concerns.
The final report makes it clear that more study is needed before any decisions can be made about upgrading or expanding these facilities. Officials believe that without deeper analysis, it would be difficult to know which changes are needed most or what the financial impact might be.
The report recommends several key areas for further study. First, a detailed review should be done to measure the current capacity of recreation spaces. This means checking how much room exists, what kinds of activities are offered, and how crowded those spaces are during peak times. Second, the report calls for an evaluation of how accessible and inclusive the facilities are. This includes looking at whether people of all ages, abilities, and income levels can use the spaces fairly. Third, the RDCK wants to monitor recreation trends over time to see how public interests are shifting. Fourth, an analysis should be done to identify other spaces in Nelson that could be used for recreation purposes.
The consultation revealed that while most residents agree on the value of recreation, there are different opinions about how to move forward. Some people are in favor of building new spaces, while others want to improve what already exists. Some community members focused on better access and safety, while others spoke about long-term sustainability.
A large number of residents said they want recreational upgrades to be part of a long-term plan. They want facilities that will support the community for years to come, not just temporary improvements. Many also asked for better indoor sports facilities, more flexible spaces, and a stronger focus on programs for youth and seniors.
For now, no final decisions have been made. Officials from the RDCK say they will continue to study the options and gather more information before making any major changes. They also plan to keep listening to the public to make sure that future developments match the community’s evolving needs.
The feedback gathered over the past 10 months will play a key role in shaping the next steps. As the RDCK works through the findings, the goal is to build a balanced, inclusive, and effective recreation system that serves everyone in the Nelson area.
