Submitted by City of Castlegar
The Millennium Park & Ponds washroom facilities have been upgraded and are now open to the public.
Construction began last fall on new facilities which service the park, swimming ponds, several sports fields, and the Celgar Pavilion. The project utilized the existing washroom to minimize costs and reduce the footprint.
New additions include all-season washrooms that include accessible and family spaces, change-rooms and three outdoor showers.
“With significant year-round use and more visitors all the time, we knew we needed better facilities at Millennium,” says Dan Rye, Deputy Mayor. “As part of our strategic plan, the city is improving recreational and cultural services for residents and visitors so we’re grateful we were able to improve the amenities with the support from Columbia Basin Trust.”
The city received a $322,031 grant from Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Outdoor Revitalization Grants program for this project, bringing its total contribution to Millennium Park & Ponds to $850,000 through three projects.
“Events, picnicking, being physically active and connecting with others are all things residents value and Millennium Park & Ponds offers the perfect spot for this,” said Will Nixon, senior manager of delivery of benefits at Columbia Basin Trust. “We know how important gathering is, and this park provides a safe, outdoor place for families to celebrate and recreate, and when safe to do so, have large gatherings. The upgraded amenities make this park a gem of Castlegar; strengthening the social and cultural fabric of the community.”
The City has also opened the public washrooms at Kinnaird and Kinsmen Parks and the sani-dump station (with potable water), located at the Castlegar Visitor Centre at 1995 6th Avenue.