By Spencer Sterritt

New covered lacrosse box to be major sports hub of Harewood

May 10, 2018 | 5:25 PM

NANAIMO — Local lacrosse players now have a shiny and squeaky new court to play on.

The covered lacrosse box at Harewood Centennial Park officially opened Thursday, with the first practice held shortly after several quick speeches.

Nanaimo minor lacrosse president Andy Reynolds told NanaimoNewsNOW the court is more than just a new place to play.

“We want to now become one of the premier lacrosse organizations within B.C. This type of facility is going to give us that head start.”

It will give them a head start in their season as well.

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“Mother nature has not been kind to us throughout February,” Reynolds said. “It’s going to make our seasons start quicker and give all of our athletes a better opportunity to hit the ground running, literally.”

The roughly $3 million space, which will hopefully be used for other sports as well in the future, is expected to become the lacrosse hub of Nanaimo.

Harewood Neighbourhood Association president Heather Campbell said the space has a major role to play in revitalizing the area and rejuvenating its image.

“A lot of people will come from out of town and have to park in our neighbourhood,” she said. “They’re using the amenities, they’re getting to know you can come into (Harewood) and have a great time.”

The existing open air lacrosse box at the park is being renovated as well, though it’s not yet finished.

Campbell said having the two lacrosse spaces, as well as their water park and playground, shows the Harewood neighbourhood is a welcoming area to families.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.ca

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit