Okanagan College’s $14M gymnasium to open in fall

Okanagan College has reached its $14 million fundraising goal and will finish construction of the Don Folk and Family Recreation and Wellness Centre this fall.

The Kelowna campus will finally have a gymnasium for intramural leagues and tournaments as well as convocation ceremonies.

Over the last three years, hundreds of local families and businesses have donated to the ambitious project.

In a media release the college said the achievement marks the successful completion of Okanagan College Foundation’s Thrive Here campaign, a true community effort that demonstrated one simple truth: generosity quite literally thrives here.

“This accomplishment belongs to our entire community,” said Helen Jackman, executive director of OC Foundation. “Over the past three years, we’ve seen the Okanagan rally behind this project. It’s been truly inspiring. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stepped up to make this vision a reality.”

Scheduled to open this fall, the Centre will feature a competition-size gymnasium, fitness suite and weight room, elevated indoor walking track, flexible fitness studios and seating for more than 700 spectators. It was created to build healthy bodies and minds, and forge friendships through sport that will last a lifetime.

“For me, the generosity of this community has been a reminder that none of us achieves success alone,” said Ryan Powers, Okanagan College student and part of the OC Coyotes baseball team. “Every professor who takes extra time to help, every teammate who lifts you up after a tough game, every donor who invests in this Centre, they’re all part of the same team. And when you have that kind of backing, you start to believe anything is possible.”

The campaign was launched with a $5-million gift from the Folk family, inspired by Don and Karen Folk’s belief in the power of sports. Momentum grew with contributions from honorary campaign chairs Cliff and Lois Serwa and many other businesses, community organizations, alumni, families and hundreds of individual donors who shared a commitment to creating resilient, healthy futures.

Thanks to a partnership with the City of Kelowna, which contributed an additional $4 million to extend the Centre, it will be a welcoming space not only for students, but also for community members.

“The impact of this campaign will be felt by generations,” said Cliff Serwa. “Thanks to a collective effort, students will have a place to build confidence, create lifelong memories and support one another. That’s a legacy our entire community can be proud of.”