By Ian Holmes

Slam dunk: Hammond Bay school’s new gym opens

Jan 20, 2019 | 4:55 PM

 NANAIMO — It’ll take more than a short jump shot to sink a three pointer at Hammond Bay Elementary’s vastly expanded gym.

Plans to lengthen the north Nanaimo school’s cramped gym finally came to fruition in early December when crews concluded the highly anticipated $1.5-million project after years of discussion.

It’s literally a game-changer for the school, which principal Christne Bohm said means more home floor advantage for their athletes.

“We’re able to host two volleyball games simultaneously and we’ll be able to host full-court basketball where our teams used to always have to travel away. We’re also able to have parents come and watch because we have the space on the sides.”

Bohm said a larger gym also means less time for students outdoors in poor weather.

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“They learn leadership, they learn how to solve problems on the go with their peers, it’s a very important social space for students,” Bohm told NanaimoNewsNOW during a recent tour.

Expanded gym plans at the packed school had been discussed, approved and shelved in the past.

It’s an issue the school’s longtime Parent Advisory Council chair Jennifer Therriault knows all too well.

“Priorities change and we understand that, but this time I thought ‘No this can’t be true’, but it was…it’s very exciting.”

Therriault said a larger gym provides a valuable venue for other uses like emergencies large enough for the entire school.

School board trustees and senior staffers will attend an official grand opening for the new gym on Jan. 24.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education approved expanding Hammond Bay Elementary with additional classrooms, but Bohm said it’s unclear when that project will move forward.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes