Since 1996
Remembering the Past
The Cowichan Sportsplex is operated by the Chesterfield Sports Society, a non profit organization focused on providing accessible, high quality sport and recreation opportunities for the Cowichan Valley. Located on 26 acres, the Sportsplex supports both organized sport and casual community use.
The facility is used year round by local sports organizations, schools, families, and individuals, and continues to see steady growth in participation and bookings. Since its early development, the vision has been to create a space where people of all ages and abilities can be active, connect with others, and take part in sport and recreation. That vision continues today through strong community use, and a focus on maintaining a high standard across all areas.
The Sportsplex is built on partnerships. Local businesses, service clubs, sports organizations, volunteers, and all levels of government have contributed to its growth through funding, sponsorship, and in kind support. These partnerships have played a key role in major projects like the Field House, facility upgrades, and ongoing operations. As a non-profit, the Sportsplex operates through a balanced model of user fees, municipal funding, sponsorship, and donations. This approach allows the facility to remain affordable and accessible while continuing to improve and plan for future capital needs.
The Values We Operate On
Physical Activity
The Cowichan Sportsplex supports active living for all ages and abilities. Our facilities are used daily by organized sport groups, schools, and individual users. From competitive training to casual use, the goal is to keep the community active, healthy and engaged.
Social Connection
The Sportsplex is a gathering place for the Cowichan Valley. Through sport, recreation, and shared spaces, people connect, build relationships, and spend time together. This includes families, teams, and individuals using the facility in both structured and informal ways.
Community Impact
As a non-profit, the Sportsplex exists to serve the Cowichan Valley. We continue to look for practical ways to improve access, expand programming, and respond to community needs. Decisions are made with long term community benefit in mind.
Strong Partnerships
The Sportsplex works closely with local sports organizations, businesses, service clubs, and all levels of government. These relationships support day to day operations and make larger projects possible. Continued collaboration is key to future growth.
Inclusive Access
The facility is open and welcoming to everyone. We aim to keep access affordable and provide space for a wide range of users and activities. All users are expected to be treated with respect and fairness.
Trust & Accountability
The Sportsplex operates with a focus on consistency, transparency, and responsible management. We recognize the trust placed in us by the community, our partners, and funders, and we work to maintain that through reliable operations and ongoing communication.
Sportsplex History
A Timeline of Our History
1989
Only Track Facility in District Shutdown
Cowichan School District determined that the only track facility in the district is unfit for competition and is closed. All planned track meets were cancelled and Cowichan Valley athletes were left without a facility to train and compete in.
1990
Community Concern Mounts Due to Lack of Facilities
A task force is formed to research and prepare a development plan for a replacement track. The task force is comprised of representatives from the Cowichan Valley Athletic Club, the local school district the Cowichan Valley Region District, The municipality of of North Cowichan, the city of Duncan and the Cowichan Valley Youth Soccer Association.
1992
Provincial Government Transfers 29 Acre Site on Chesterfield Ave to District of North Cowichan
The Chesterfield Sports Society was granted the site under the condition that it is used for recreational purposes. The Chesterfield Facilities Board, representing local governments, the School District and five sports groups is established to secure the site.
1994
Chesterfield Facilities Board Initiates a Public Relations Campaign to Determine Support of The Community
In Three weeks 2,300 people pledge over $200,000 in materials,services and financial donations. Pledges for funding from 1991 BC Winter Games Legacy Fund $209,000, the Municipality of North Cowichan $200,000 and School District 79 $200,000
1996
Chesterfield Sports Society is Formed and Site Preparation Begins For Phase 1
Planning to create an 8-lane running track and multi-purpose infield commences.
1996
Rotary Club of Duncan Pledges $75,000 Over Three Years
The Rotary Club of Duncan donates $25,000 in 1996, $25,000 in 1997 and $25,000 in 1998.
1997
Long-term Lease for the Sportsplex is Signed and More Donations Received
Municipality of North Cowichan signs a 25 year lease on the property + $30,000 is received from Ceevac Track & Field
1997
Infield is Ready for Public use in the Spring and Track is Covered with Asphalt in September
Public and sporting group usage of the facility begins. Community joggers, walkers and atheletes train daily on the track. Soccer, field hockey, field lacrosse and flag football teams use the field for league play and practices.
1998
First Annual Cowichan 12-Hour Relay was Held and Succesfully Raised $38,000!
Prior fundraising was truly a remarkable community effort with contributions coming from a variety of sources including local governments, the School District, service clubs, sports groups, small businesses and the general public
2000
Rubber Surface Applied and Lines Painted on Track
The cost of this phase was $230,000 and was funded as follows: Community Spirit BC Millenium Grant $50,000; CSS and 12 Hour Relay $100,000; Municipality of North Cowichan $90,000.
2001
Project Renamed the Cowichan Sportsplex
The project was officially renamed the Cowichan Sportsplex.
2001
Phase 1 of the Cowichan Sportsplex Project is Now Complete
Our community was succesful in raising the funds to acheive this monumental goal. Due to the generosity of local contractors and businesses, this project was completed $500,000 below budget at a total cost of $1.1 million.
2001
Ceevac Track & Field Club Hosts the First Cowichan Valley Track & Field Meet Since 1989
Cowichan Sportsplex now hosts major sporting and non-sporting events. We have become a highly sought after community event venue including Canada Day Celebrations, Beverly Corner Show & Shine and the Cowichan Highland games.
2002
Application to Canada-BC Infrastructure Program Submitted for Total of $1.6 Million
The request was submitted for construction of the artificial field hockey pitch.
2002
Appreciation Event for the Duncan Rotary Club
Duncan Rotary Club was invited to the Sportsplex for a barbecue in appreciation for the immense amount of financial support. New signs are unveiled and the trail is officially dedicated.
2002
Cowichan 12-Hour Relay Brings in Gross Proceeds of Over $65,000
The Cowichan 12-Hour Relay raised more than $65,000.
2002
Phase 2 of the Cowichan Sportsplex Project Begins
Lacrosse Box construction begins with site preparation and pre-load application.
2003
Cowichan 12-Hour Relay Grosses Over $94,000
Stu Pitts Challenge campaign also begins to raise funds for multi-purpose tournament facility.
2003
Kiwanis Club of Duncan Donates $10,000
The funds are used to build a storage building for the society and member sports association.
2003
Additional $30,000 Donated to the Sportsplex
An anonymous donor gifted us $30,000 dollars to put towards Project Turf. The project has now reached $479,000 in funding and will be used to build an artificial turf field on site.
2003
Two Legacy Sponsorships Contributed Towards the Sportsplex
Two Legacy Sponsorships of $75,000 are received from the Carson and Mckinnon Families for two of the three ball diamonds.
2004
$75,000 Dollar Gift Received
Island Savings Credit Union and Peter Baljet GM make a $75,000 contribution and become Legacy sponsor for third baseball diamond.
2004
Donations from Institutions Received to Continue Funding Us
$875,000 received from the Canada BC Infrastructure Program for artificial Hockey Pitch. $480,000 is received from Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative. Further Contributions include: Country Grocer $37,500; CIBC $25,000; Pacific Energy $50,000; Weyenhaeuser $75,000.
2004
Stu Pitt’s Challenge
Stu Pitt raised $40,000 for the Sportsplex in a challenge to lose weight.
2005
$2 Million Dollars Pledged for BC Senior Games
Province of BC announces $2 million in funding to ready the site for the BC Senior Games.
2005
First Bookings of the Lacrosse Box AKA the “Weyerhaeuser Thunder Box”
The lacrosse box facility, known as the “Weyerhaeuser Thunder Box,” began accepting its first bookings.
2005
Sportsplex is a Major Venue for the BC Senior Games
The Cowichan Sportsplex served as a major venue for events during the BC Senior Games.
2005
John Ferreria Field Grand Opening
John Ferraria Field was opened with a grand opening celebration acknowledging the Ferraria/Cameron families and the Canada BC Infrastructure program for their financial contributions.
2005
Lights on the Ball Diamonds, Track and Lacrosse Box Are Now in Operation
Lighting was installed for the ball diamonds, track, and lacrosse box to expand facility use into evenings.
2006
First Slo-Pitch Season
Grand Opening April 21, 2006. Acknowledged sponsors: McKinnon family, Carson family, Island Savings & Peter Baljet GM.
2006
9th Annual Pacific Energy 12 Hour Relay brings in $54,000
A portion of this funding is set aside to build the first playground on site at the Cowichan Sportsplex.
2007
Bev Lashman Playground is Installed
A new playground is built at the Cowichan Sportplex thanks to our community’s help. The grand opening will be held later in the year.
2007
10th and Final Annual Pacific Energy 12 Hour Relay brings in $54,000 to the Cowichan Sportsplex
The final Annual Pacific Energy 12 Hour Relay included a soccer tournament, ball hockey tournament, and slo pitch. A portion of the money raised at this year’s event will be used for fitness trail equipment.
2008
New Sponsorship Program is Introduced to the Sportsplex
The Medallion Sponsor Podium presents 3 Medallion Events and sponsor opportunities ranging from $600 to $7500!
2008
Cowichan Sportsplex Receives Grant From Olympic Paralympic Live Sites Program
This grant funds a portion of the Tournament Annex at the ball facility and portable staging for events in the future. Other grants fund the upgrade and beautification of the parking lot.
2008
Cowichan Sportsplex is a Major Venue for Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games
The Sportsplex served as a major venue during the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games.
2009
Grand Opening of the ActNow BC Seniors Park
The outdoor fitness equipment was funded by the Municipality of North Cowichan and the Province of BC. This is the beginning of the development of our fitness circuit path.
2011
Weather Shelter Over the Entrance to John Ferraria Field is constructed
This was made possible by a donation from Laura Ferreira and family.
2011
Legacy Fitness Circuit is Created
With funds from our community and a matching grant from the Government of Canada, we created the Legacy Fitness Circuit in commemoration of the City of Duncan’s 100th Anniversary.
2011
CVRD Voters Poll on Cowichan Sportsplex
Voters in the CRVD, Town of Ladysmith and Town of Lake Cowichan were asked if they supported funding the Cowichan Sportsplex. CVRD voters from Areas A, C, D & E voted yes while the remaining areas, Lake Cowichan and Ladysmith voted no. This resulted in decreased funding for operating from the CVRD, but were compensated though the City of Duncan and Municipality of North Cowichan.