The game’s about to change at Centennial Park.
After years of planning and construction, Saanichton's brand-new multi-sport box is set to officially open to the public on Tuesday, Sept. 2 – introducing a year-round, all-weather facility designed to become a recreational hub for the entire Saanich Peninsula.
Replacing the aging lacrosse box that’s stood in the park since 1971, the new $4.9-million covered structure spans 17,000 square feet and comes loaded with upgrades: an acrylic-coated play surface, scoreboard and shot clocks, dasher boards with chain-link fencing, team benches, lighting, and more.
The goal? A versatile, accessible space that supports everything from lacrosse and ball hockey to soccer, pickleball, and dryland training.
“The soon-to-open Centennial Park Multi-Sport Box marks a major milestone for recreation on the Saanich Peninsula,” said Niall Paltiel, Chair of the Peninsula Recreation Commission. “This dynamic new facility will offer year-round opportunities for outdoor activity and community connection.”
In June 2022, the District of Central Saanich asked the Peninsula Recreation Commission to take over construction of the multi-sport box.
The project was backed by a $2-million grant from the federal government’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, with the remaining funds drawn from the CRD’s Capital Plan.
The Peninsula Recreation Commission identified the project as a priority in 2019 following a Regional Recreation Needs Assessment.
Nearly 30 per cent of registered players with Peninsula Lacrosse are Indigenous youth, and it’s anticipated the upgraded facility will help increase participation – especially among Indigenous communities.
Panorama Recreation will offer programming at the new facility, with community group bookings available starting this fall.
The multi-sport box joins existing amenities at Centennial Park, including a field house and three picnic shelters.
