Two Parksville Qualicum Beach groups want a fitness and wellness centre accessible for all in District 69.
Given the region’s demographics with one of the highest percentages of seniors across the country, representatives of Universal Access Qualicum Beach (UAQB), and Accessible Oceanside Association (AOA), who appeared as a delegation at the District 69 Recreation Commission meeting on Thursday, stated District 69 does not have a place with specialized exercise equipment for the disabled.
“Fitness and wellness matter to everyone but especially older adults and those with disabilities who may lose function without exercise,” said Darwin Fraser, co-chair of UAQB.
Hollie Carnegie Letcher, also co-chair of UAQB, said they have already raised funds to purchase one piece of specialized fitness equipment, but lack a space to house and use it on a regular basis.
Letcher said they have been gathering signatures from a wide range of individuals and groups in District 69 to support a universally accessible fitness facility. They want to work with the Regional District of Nanaimo in achieving this objective.
“We need to find a community partner, share a vision to create a collaboration project to fill this recreation exercise facility to happen that exist in Oceanside today,” said Letcher. “Our current situation, there is no universal accessible fitness centre in Oceanside.”
What the groups are suggesting is to look at the possibility of using The Pond or small skating rink at Oceanside Place that they feel is under-utilized. Letcher said that it’s centrally located, has parking, close to the bus stop, is wheelchair accessible and other amenities. It is also capable of providing space for their specialized equipment.
Letcher also added that they already have more than 80 individuals interest in an accessible exercise facility.
Electoral Area H director Bill Veenhof indicated that as he understands it, Island Health is mandated to provide this kind of service. He asked the group whether they had approached Island Health.
Letcher said that although this deals with health, there’s other issues to it.
“Just because someone has a disability and is in a wheelchair doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a normal opportunity to go and work out,” said Letcher. “This is about fitness and recreation.”
A motion was made requesting Island Health to assist Universal Access Qualicum Beach in securing a suitable location, developing an operational model and creating a business plan for the placement of specialized universal access fitness equipment in the District 69 area. As well, if the Regional District of Nanaimo undertakes the development of a fitness and wellness facility for the District 69 area in the future, that the provision of accessible fitness equipment be considered in the design. Both recommendations, however, were referred back to staff with District 69 School Board trustee Elaine Young opposing both motions.
Electoral Area F commissioner Reg Nosworthy also presented a motion that RDN recreation add a universally accessible fitness and wellness facility to its list of Oceanside recreation facility needs as a high priority, collaborative community project.