Velodrome turf infield closed, despite being only profitable turf surface at JDF Rec
Posted by Steven Hurdle on August 9, 2008
The current issue of the Goldstream Gazette has an article on the fact that the velodrome infield was being eyed for permanent closure, it also notes that “The decision, if any, was made after the Gazette’s deadline.”
Inside Langford has learned that the velodrome infield in fact has been closed, and this despite the fact that it’s the only turf surface that is profitable at Juan de Fuca Rec. Chris Antsy, of the velodrome association, has noted that the field has been generating $25-30K in profits a year, enough to approximately cover the losses at the other turf fields at the facility.
West Shore Parks and Rec (WSPR), which operates the JDF Rec facility, feels that the infield needs repair and not making the repairs creates a liability for WSPR. Critics argue that the infield is sufficiently profitable to justify making the repairs, and losing the facility will hurt amateur sport in the community, and that amateur sport will not be aided by the proposal to replace the velodrome with a large (and expensive for groups to rent) stadium.
– Steven Hurdle -
ian phillips said
This appears to be the first step towards creating a Bear Mountain Resort ” enclave” in this corner of our Westshore community public recreation centre. Currently there is the Bear Mountain Arena and now the proposed stadium which i understand will be primarily for the Victoria Rebels Football team ,a sports team ,that according to a local newspaper is sponsored by the Bear Mountain conglomerate!!!!!
The community deserves a full and detailed explanation from the Rec Commission on why they are proeeding with this ill advised project.
A couple of days ago i was watching a discussion on tv about the possibility of Canada non-medaling at the Olympics and one of the key messages of this discusssion was regarding the lack of quality facilities in the communities throughout our country to assist our athletes to compete at the international level. As i’ve said before ,if the Commission proceeds with the dismantling of the velodrome and the bmx track they’ll not only prove they have a lack of vision but will be wasting taxpayers money
Herman said
Just follow the money and the key players in the Velodrome mess.
Waste taxpayers money…hey thats what we are here for, so that we can take all the risks, foot all the bills and they can make all the profits…if any.
And if its a failure, who cares, its not their money.