Coach asks council to explore arena floor option

Sparwood council was asked to explore whether a removable seasonal sport floor could turn the Sparwood Arena into a multi-use recreation space when the ice is out.

Tiffany Rout, founder and coach of Summit Hoops Basketball, brought the idea to council during its June 2 regular meeting. She said the proposal was not a request for immediate approval, but a request for council to consider reviewing the feasibility and community benefits of converting the arena during the spring and summer months.

Rout said the proposal could help address a lack of indoor recreation and training space in Sparwood for youth, families, adults and seniors.

“This is not intended to prioritize one sport or user group over another. It is about exploring how existing community facilities might better support the growing recreation needs of Sparwood as a whole,” said Rout.

Rout said Sparwood currently has limited indoor recreation space for programs such as basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, dryland hockey training and indoor soccer. She said space is also limited for community camps, clinics, adult recreation, dance, martial arts and larger tournaments.

She said her U16 basketball club currently practices at Sparwood Secondary School, but gym availability made it difficult to run even one team. Rout said the only available times were 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays.

“The ability to run more than one age group is impossible as they require that entire time,” said Rout.

She said Frank J. Mitchell Elementary School is not an option for competitive basketball because its hoops are eight feet high, while competitive basketball requires 10-foot hoops.

Rout said four athletes on her U16 team are sports academy qualified and compete at high levels but must often travel for opportunities. She said many families looking for additional basketball programming must travel to Fernie, where gym space is also under pressure.

Rout asked council to consider a removable flooring system for the arena slab when the ice surface is removed. She said similar systems are designed to protect concrete, provide athletic shock absorption, support multiple sports and recreation uses and be installed and removed seasonally.

Potential uses could include basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, lacrosse, dryland hockey, soccer, fitness classes, community events, regional tournaments, youth camps and clinics.

Rout said preliminary discussions with flooring companies suggested the cost could be between $175,000 and $250,000 for materials, shipping and brokering, not including installation or storage.

“I can understand that this is a hefty cost. However, I truly believe that while this is significant, the return on the investment would quickly prove itself,” said Rout.

She said the space could support expanded recreation use, assess community demand, generate seasonal rental revenue and support local sport development and wellness.

Councillor Steve Kallies thanked Rout for returning after the previous council meeting was cancelled due to lack of quorum. He suggested the proposal could be brought to the Recreation Facility Advisory Committee when it meets again in July.

“I personally think it’s worth exploring in that if we were to build a new facility, that’s not happening in the next 10 minutes, 10 months, or maybe not even in the next 10 years,” said Kallies.

Councillor Sam Atwal suggested Rout also connect with school board trustee Bev Lena and local staff to explore school gym opportunities in the interim. He said he did not want youth in Sparwood to have to leave the community for opportunities.

Councillor Jason Christensen encouraged Rout to connect with other user groups, such as pickleball and badminton, to strengthen the proposal.

“I think the more you get the better for yourself and get that push as well,” said Christensen.

Acting Mayor Amy Cardozo also suggested the idea be added to council’s strategic planning discussion in the fall.

The presentation was received for information, with council indicating there may be future opportunities for further discussion through committee and planning processes.