A new three-storey field house at Inlet Park could cost $8.3 million.
But where that money might come from is still to be determined, according to a report to be presented to council at its meeting tonight, June 25.
In the report, project manager Chad Siemens said a three-storey structure was deemed by the architectural firm hired by the city to complete detailed design work, MIZA Architects, to be the most cost efficient to build per square foot.
The 2,662 sq. ft. ground floor would be comprised of four change rooms with showers that can seat about 24 players, public gender-neutral washrooms, concession and storage spaces and an entrance to an accessible elevator.
The 3,577 sq. ft. second floor includes a basic kitchen facility and dedicated multi-purpose space that could be used for city and public events, additional washrooms and storage areas, along with an indoor view of the adjacent playing field.
The 2,403 sq. ft. third storey would have office and meeting spaces as well as a rooftop deck topped by a covered bleacher.
The report said further refinements could be included to meet targets for LEED and passive house certification as well as meeting gold level standards for Rick Hansen Foundation accessibility certification. That would require an elevator, accessible washroom, parking and drop-off facilities, level entrances as well as wayfinding and signage that can be read by people with vision impairments.
Siemens said careful consideration will be given where to place the field house so it works for the park’s users but doesn’t have a deleterious impact on neighbouring properties or the park’s other amenities like its playground or walking trail.
Renderings of the proposed structure are expected to be shown as part of a staff presentation to council.
The first two phases of Inlet Park’s redevelopment to transform an old, dusty gravel all-weather facility into a FIFA-regulation turf field that can also accommodate softball and slow-pitch at diamonds on opposing corners was completed in the spring after years of unrequited hopes and false starts that frustrated user groups like Port Moody Soccer Club and left it for use mostly as overflow parking for film crews and events at Rocky Point Park.
New Port Moody soccer pitch officially opens; fieldhouse still to come https://t.co/Jq4Ft7nQ5z
— Tri-City News (@TriCityNews) May 21, 2024
That work cost $8 million and includes new lighting, a new playground, parking lot for 80 vehicles and a raised boardwalk around the back side.
More than half the money — $4.3 million — came from the provincial government while Port Moody pitched in $3.5 million and the federal government added another $206,415.
Siemens said staff continue to explore potential provincial grant opportunities as well as look for community partners who might be willing to help.
He said once council gives its blessing and funding sources secured, the project could go to tender by the end of this year with construction beginning in the spring of 2025.
