Good news for fans of lacrosse. When the province announced a new $30-million program aimed at getting encouraging more people to be healthier and more physically active, locals jumped at the opportunity to move a project forward.
On Wednesday, Nov. 9 Juan de Fuca Regional Director Mike Hicks put forth a $500,000 grant application to the Capital Regional District for a multi-use sport court in Sooke through the Community Recreation Grant Program.
“We will be applying to build a multi-use sport court which will be totally compatible as a beautiful regulation lacrosse box.”
Hicks said the JDFEA is allowed one application and Sooke one. He said Sooke will be applying for a grant to go towards walking trails.
Hicks and Councillor Bev Berger have been working towards this for the past year or so. It was noted that more than 60 families are currently going over to the Westshore to play lacrosse.
“Politics aside, Bev Berger has headed up a committee and has spearheaded this whole effort,” said Hicks.
They will be looking to service clubs and citizens to help make up another required $125,000.
Hicks said it was, “an opportunity for the JDF, Sooke, the school board and community groups to pull together behind a terrific project for our children.”
“It’s go time,” said Hicks. “We need them all on this one.”
“I think this will be the best program in B.C. and the best thing in the world for the children of East Sooke, Otter Point and Sooke,” said Hicks. “Bev Berger has been working so hard for children and I give her full marks.”
The lacrosse box could be used not just by lacrosse players but at recess and after school for activities such as asphalt hockey. They have not yet decided exactly where the box will be located.
The application is set to come before the CRD Board in December and they should know by the end of February whether their application was successful.