Study for the future of Sportsplex getting positive feedback

A study to develop a future plan for the aging Dartmouth Sportsplex is receiving lots of enthusiastic feedback from its members, as well as the local community.

The facility, which has been the primary sports complex in downtown Dartmouth since 1982, is being looked at by HRM and the facility to develop a renewal and recapitalization plan.

For the past two weeks, HRM has been hosting small group meetings and focus groups.

"I would say the turnout has been average, but the enthusiasm has been excellent," said Betty Lou Killen project manager, coordinator client services, community development with HRM

In addition to the focus group, there are several other ways the public can voice their opinion. They can call 490-5713, email CFMP@Halifax.ca or take part in an online survey, which will be available later this month (see Halifax.ca for details).

Killen said the study, which they've been working on since October, will go on for a few more months. Although they haven't established a timeframe for changes to start, she said nothing will likely happen until after the Canada Games in 2011.

"The bus terminal is being built right now, and that's going to be completed before the Canada Games in February 2011, so if we were going to be making any big changes to the facility, we wouldn't be doing anything before that," said Killen. "We're very excited about this. The Dartmouth Sportsplex is one of our four key multi-district facilities and we want to make sure we can breath some new life into it for the next 30 years. It's certainly been significant for the last 30."