About The Cowichan Sportsplex

remembering the past

Since 1996

The Cowichan Sportsplex is the pride and joy of the Chesterfield Sports Society. We are a non-profit organization that had a vision to build a facility that would benefit all ages and abilities through sports, recreation and friendship. The support we receive through the community continues to be imperative to our organization. Individuals, businesses, community sports organizations, service clubs and government have all worked with us to achieve our vision.

A timeline of our History

1989
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

Project Renamed the Cowichan Sportsplex

2001
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

Cowichan 12-Hour Relay Brings in Gross Proceeds of Over $65,000

2002
Sportsplex History

Phase 2 of the Cowichan Sportsplex Project Begins

Lacrosse Box construction begins with site preparation and pre-load application.

2003
Sportsplex History

Cowichan 12-Hour Relay Grosses Over $94,000

 Stu Pitts Challenge campaign also begins to raise funds for multi-purpose tournament facility.

2003
Sportsplex History

Kiwanis Club of Duncan Donates $10,000

The funds are used to build a storage building for the society and member sports association.

2003
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

$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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

Stu Pitt’s Challenge

Stu Pitt raised $40,000 for the Sportsplex in a challenge to lose weight.

2005
Sportsplex History

$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
Sportsplex History

First Bookings of the Lacrosse Box AKA the “Weyerhaeuser Thunder Box”

2005
Sportsplex History

Sportsplex is a Major Venue for the BC Senior Games

2005
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

Lights on the Ball Diamonds, Track and Lacrosse Box Are Now in Operation

2006
Sportsplex History

First Slo-Pitch Season

Grand Opening April 21, 2006. Acknowledged sponsors: McKinnon family, Carson family, Island Savings & Peter Baljet GM.

2006
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

Cowichan Sportsplex is a Major Venue for Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games

2009
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

Weather Shelter Over the Entrance to John Ferraria Field is constructed

This was made possible by a donation from Laura Ferreira and family.

2011
Sportsplex History

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
Sportsplex History

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.

The Values we operate on

Promote Physical Fitness

Cowichan Sportsplex encourages everyone to live an active lifestyle. Our amenities are an impactful tool for thousands of members in our community – athletes and casuals alike.

Encourage Social Connections

Our facilities are built around the understanding of discovering lasting relationships based on mutual healthy hobbies and past times.

Always Put Our Community First

The Cowichan Sportsplex is proud of the benefits we afford our
community. We are always innovating new ways to contribute to our community while reflecting on the positive impact we provide.

Develop Community Relationships

We will continue to build and maintain key relationships in the Cowichan Valley and surrounding areas with business and individuals alike. 

Treat All of Our User Base Equally

We pride ourselves on being an all-inclusive facility. Absolutely everybody is welcome to participate at our facilities and is assured to be treated with respect and dignity.

Inspire Trust Within Our Community

The Cowichan Sportsplex honours and respects the trust we have received from our client-base. We act with high-standard of skill, ethicality and thoughtfulness to maintain our relationship with our users.

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Community recreation centre in Duncan, British Columbia