SEAPARC is seeking public input on its 10-year strategic plan

The Capital Regional District's (CRD) Sooke and Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission (SEAPARC) is inviting community members to share their ideas on what should be included in its 2025-2035 strategic plan. SEAPARC is a partnership comprising the District of Sooke, Juan de Fuca (JDF) Electoral Area, paaʔčiidʔatx̣ (Pacheedaht) First Nation, T’Sou-ke Nation, and Sc'ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation that creates recreational opportunities for the public through the development, provision and operation of recreational facilities, programs and activities. 

The importance of culturally relevant and land-based programming for people of all ages led by Indigenous elders, guides and trainers is highlighted in a 2021 report from the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health. However the report showed that there are more barriers in Canada for Indigenous youth to participate in recreational programs for non-Indigenous youth. 

Information gathered through a public survey on SEAPARC’s strategic plan will inform and provide the commission with a framework for making decisions on future provision of recreation services.

“SEAPARC’s 2025-2035 strategic plan is a commitment to community excellence, reflecting our dedication to meeting the evolving recreational needs of Sooke and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area,” said SEAPARC board chair Al Beddows. “We invite every resident to contribute, ensuring our services continue to enrich lives and foster a vibrant, healthy community. Your input is vital in guiding our path forward.”

The most recent SEAPARC Recreation Strategic Plan (2015) served the commission as a 15-year guide for recreation planning and development. Since it was developed, many of the strategic initiatives, including the fitness/gym expansion, the outdoor sport box and support for an artificial turf field, have been completed. 

SEAPARC manager Melanie Alsdorf said in a press release “One of the factors contributing to the need for an updated strategic plan before 2030, is the rapid population growth of the region.” To respond to these changes and growing needs, SEAPARC is gathering feedback from the public and First Nations input on recreation programs, services, and associated facilities they’d like to see launched or expanded.

When she was asked what the feedback had been from First Nations, Alsdorf told Capital Daily, “We have reached out to T'Souke, Sc'ianew and paaʔčiidʔatx to understand their preferred methods of involvement in the CRD's recreation strategic planning process for SEAPARC. We are committed to working collaboratively with each Nation to help create inclusive and supportive recreational opportunities that enhance community wellness.”

Policy Options, the digital magazine of the Institute for Research on Public Policy, says that recreational infrastructure like SEAPARC improve mental health outcomes and prevent long-term health problems. This infrastructure can also play an important role in community building and resilience during events related to natural disasters when they are used as emergency gathering places, volunteer response coordination centres and shelters for displaced residents. 

The SEAPARC Recreation Centre on Phillips Road in Sooke has facilities for diverse interests, ages, and abilities. It has a 25-metre pool, a skating arena with an NHL-size rink, a skate park and baseball diamond and multi-purpose spaces for activities such as yoga, dance, and community events.  In 2023 SEAPARC added accessibility lifts to its lap pool and hot tub.

For its anticipated expansion, SEAPARC is looking to an outside team to help realize its new goals.

Engineering, architectural and design consultants from HDR Architecture Associates will work with SEAPARC staff to ensure that community engagement with vested partners will carry through consultative and building processes. 

The 2025-2035 strategic plan is being developed in alignment with the 2023-26 CRD board priorities and will shape the capital planning process for new facilities and programs, incorporating input provided, assessing current and future capacity needs, and addressing identified service requirements for the next decade.

The SEAPARC public engagement survey is now open. The survey is available from July 22 to August 25. Two open house events will also take place; one on August 10 at 1pm, and another on August 21 at 5pm.