Editor,
A recent letter to the editor called into question the logic of maintaining the Rotary Fieldhouse in the middle of an athletic park. The logic is in the history.
The building is called the Rotary Fieldhouse for good reason. Under the leadership of White Rock Rotary's then-president, Wayne Baldwin, the area Rotary clubs and their members raised in excess of $1 million for the facility in cash and in-kind donations. Coastal FC's predecessor clubs donated only $112,000.
It was in recognition of the magnitude of Rotary's efforts to this project and others in the athletic park that Surrey called the completed building the Rotary Fieldhouse and gave it an address on Rotary Way. The city also extended the right of first refusal to Rotary after the initial 25-year lease expired on Dec. 31, 2024 — the exercising of which has yet to be offered.
Under the current model, the Fieldhouse is a meeting place for diverse South Surrey and White Rock groups, including Rotary and Coastal FC, self-financing the operation through user fees. It is in the best interest of the community, as well as in keeping with the original intent of the Fieldhouse, for it to remain available to all and not be limited to a single group.
Rotary doesn't doubt Coastal FC needs additional storage space, given how their program has grown in recent years. In fact, it's doubtful that Coastal's needs would be fully met by acquiring the entire Fieldhouse.
Rotary has offered to fundraise for a larger facility for Coastal — there's ample land behind its BMO indoor field. Rotary has also proposed reallocating storage space in the existing Fieldhouse so Coastal has more room. Both suggestions have been declined.
Rotarians believe in service above self. Our clubs are volunteer-led. Every dollar raised from charitable activity returns to the South Surrey and White Rock communities: whether it's Semiahmoo's golf tournament, South Surrey's shred-a-thons, or White Rock's book sales. Community groups rely on Rotary's support to continue programs for women, children and the vulnerable in our community. Among the dozens receiving generous donations this year from the White Rock club alone are Semiahmoo Family Place, Volunteer Cancer Drivers, Punch Out Parkinsons and Brella.
Club administrative costs, including Fieldhouse rent, are borne by members themselves. By contrast, Coastal FC staff and coaches are paid and a healthy balance sheet is rolled over year after year.
The writer states "there are numerous non-sport park storage alternatives." Where might these be, Mr. Jones? We've been looking. Space is at a premium across the Peninsula, and finding one that both meets Rotary's needs and with rent comparable to the Fieldhouse's current rate has been a fruitless search. The more Rotary pays for storage, the less the community groups we support will receive.
It's interesting to note that a few years ago Chilliwack Rotary found itself in a similar situation. The solution? The city built them a state-of-the-art facility.
Anthony Manning, president (2024-25), Rotary Club of White Rock
