The Koko Platz Community Recreation Centre is on track for an August opening, and the board is actively looking for volunteers to help operate the facility once it opens.
The club has been a community-driven project, with fundraising efforts raising more than $700,000 to rebuild the rink and centre after a devastating fire. While insurance proceeds have covered rebuilding the main structure, a $261,888 shortfall in the rink’s construction budget was recently covered by a transfer from the City of Portage la Prairie’s General Infrastructure Reserve.
Board Chair Julene Toews-Dewis says the club is entering an exciting phase, preparing to move into the new facility by late summer and needing volunteers to support day-to-day operations going forward.
“We are starting to look at operations of the club going into the fall and the winter and we are looking for additional volunteers and support to help us as we transition into this new time of running the club,” she notes.
Related stories:
- Portage council approves reserve funding to complete Koko Platz project
- Portage MLA highlights Koko Platz Community Club’s revival after devastating fire
Volunteer roles open to community
Toews-Dewis outlines several volunteer positions the club hopes to fill, including a treasurer to assist with financials, help with scheduling facility bookings, and web design support to build and maintain the club’s online presence.
She adds, “We are also just looking for additional board members and also just members that would be interested in being a part of different committees with the board.”
Interested community members can express their interest through a Google form available on the club’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
A facility for all seasons
While the rink will be the centrepiece during the winter months, the new facility is designed as a four-season space.
Toews-Dewis remarks, “This is absolutely a community rink and we can’t wait to have it available for use this winter.”
She continues, “It will also be a four season space. We are anticipating having basketball hoops up in the months after we open the club. We will also have our hall rental available once we open the club.”
Continued growth and improvements
Though much of the construction is complete, some finishing touches remain, including walking trails around the facility and a storage shed.
Toews-Dewis says these additions will enhance community access and use.
“We are also looking at building a storage shed on site so construction isn’t fully complete,” she notes. “Walking trails are being developed around the club and into the walking trails behind the Koko Platz Rec Club with the City of Portage.”
With the facility nearing readiness and a strong volunteer base forming, the Koko Platz Community Recreation Centre is poised to become a vibrant hub for Portage la Prairie residents of all ages.
Click here to volunteer.
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