2010 Annual Report - City of Vernon

PAGE 33CITY OF VERNON 2010 ANNUAL REPORRECREATION SERVICESOUTLOOK FOR 2011Despite the economic downturn weexperienced in 2010, RecreationServices still managed to reach its goalsboth financially and in user visits. Withsome recovery taking place, we lookforward to another busy year of offeringquality recreation experiences to thecitizens in 2011 and preparing to hostthe young athletes of the province atthe BC Winter Games in February of2012.PURPOSEThe Recreation Division is responsible for the operation of the Vernon Recreation Centre and forthe planning, promotion and operation of recreation programs and the supply of recreationservices to the public in the Greater Vernon area.The Recreation Division takes aleadership role in the promotion ofactive healthy lifestyles for thecommunity. Through the programs andservices we offer, the RecreationDivision plays an important role inimproving and maintaining the qualityHIGHLIGHTS OF 2010In an effort to promote active living the Recreation Division started Vernon Steps Out, an independent self directed walking programdesigned to get people moving and to help them make healthy living choices. Partnering with the City of Vernon Traffic DemandManagement initiative the www.vernonstepsout.ca website was launched in September coinciding with International Car Free Day. Todayover 300 participants have signed up and logged 223,973,178 steps!Phase III of renovations at the Vernon Recreation Centre Auditorium was completed with the addition of moveable conference room wallscreating two new break-out rooms. The new rooms equipped with vertical blinds, adjustable lighting, screens, projectors and full internetconnectivity have had an immediate and positive impact on the facility making it more versatile and allowing for multiple programs andmeetings to take place simultaneously. A name change to the Creekside Conference Centre may be in the facilities future in order toreflect the potential capacity of the room(s).2010 was the first full year of operating the three ice rinks which include the 3000 seat Wesbild Centre; home of the six time NationalChampion Vernon Vipers. In addition to the Vipers, the Wesbild plays host to many big events including the Holiday Stars on Ice whichincluded Olympic medalists Joannie Rochette, Jamie Sale & David Pelletier and former World Champion Kurt Browning. The Wesbildclosed out the year by playing host to some of the world’s best curlers participating in the Swiss Chalet National. Kevin Martin, RandyFerbey and Glenn Howard were just three of the eighteen teams that participated in the nationally televised event.