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With construction well underway on the new ������Ƶ Don Folk and Family Recreation and Wellness Centre, the College and the City of Kelowna are announcing a new, game-changing partnership.

“We’re so excited for the Centre to open because it will mean students have incredible access to sports leagues, strength and mobility classes, wellness programs and so many other activities that help build connections and contribute to healthy lifestyles,” said Dr. Neil Fassina, ������Ƶ president. “Working together with the City means we can provide the best options for ������Ƶ students, and at the same time welcome others onto campus to be part of our College community, learn and grow.”

Under the partnership, the City has pledged $4 million toward construction of the Centre, which is allowing the College to expand the original design and build a larger facility, with more space for programming.

In addition, the College and the City are working together to see City recreation and leisure programming offered at the new facility, expanding access for students as well as the broader public.

“The new ������Ƶ Recreation and Wellness Centre is built for team sports, fitness, recreation, and leisure, and will allow us to expand access to programs that strengthen both physical and social well-being,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “We recognize how important it is for residents of all ages to have these opportunities across our city, and we are excited to partner with ������Ƶ to bring our programs to the College campus — serving not only students, but also the surrounding Pandosy neighbourhood and the broader community.”

������Ƶ’s Recreation and Wellness Centre will be home to the ������Ƶ Coyotes basketball and baseball community-based programs, as well as other student-focused activities, including Convocation and Commencement ceremonies. 

“We want people to be coming to campus and participating in College activities, connecting with students, and contributing to life at ������Ƶ,” said Fassina. “For students, building relationships with others in the community is a way to network and experience more of what Kelowna has to offer.”

The first phase ������Ƶ’s Recreation and Wellness Centre, which was announced by the College in 2023, includes a gymnasium and flexible spaces suitable for competitive and recreational sports, as well as an indoor running track and weight room. It is fully funded by community donors to the ������Ƶ Foundation’s Thrive Here campaign, which has to date raised $13 million of its $14 million goal.

The additional $4 million contribution from the City has made it possible for an expansion, which includes additional multipurpose studios for group activities and fitness classes. 

Construction on the new Rec and Wellness Centre began last year and the pre-fabricated building is expected to be open in just over a year, in fall 2026.

Background:

When open, ������Ƶ’s Recreation and Wellness Centre will include:

• Multipurpose gymnasium
• Competition-size court to accommodate a range of sport, recreational activities and community events, including ������Ƶ convocation and commencement ceremonies
• Retractable spectator seating for 700+
• Fitness suite with state-of-the-art equipment
• Two lane suspended indoor walking/running track
• Multipurpose, flexible fitness studios

The Centre is being designed and constructed by two local firms, Meiklejohn Architects and TKI Construction.

Construction began offsite and the facility is being built using a prefabricated system delivered to ������Ƶ to assemble onsite.

Groundbreaking occurred last spring, and today onsite work is well underway.

In 2023, the Folk family announced a transformational gift of $5 million, one of the largest-ever single donations to any college in B.C., prompting ������Ƶ to name the Centre in their honour.

Don Folk, a long-time philanthropist and until 2015 the owner of Don Folk Chevrolet in Kelowna, said that playing sport and staying active is crucial to physical and mental wellbeing.

Many other local families and businesses have joined to help reach the community fundraising goal including Cliff and Lois Serwa, who contributed an incredible $1 million and the Torgerson Foundation with $500,000 - all inspired by the power of sport to foster connection and promote future success.

To learn more and to support the Thrive Here campaign, visit Okanagan.bc.ca/thrivehere.