A new playground and sport court give residents of all ages a welcoming space to be active together
Visit Elko and you get a sense of space. Located in the East Kootenay, the small rural community offers expansive grassy areas and stunning mountain views. What it lacked, however, was a central place where residents of all ages could gather for outdoor recreation.
That changed on July 25, 2026, when the ribbon was officially cut on Elko’s new playground and multi-use sport court. Designed for basketball, pickleball and floor hockey, the court is stocked with sports equipment so residents can start playing right away. The playground includes equipment designed for a range of ages, from toddler through to teenagers, ensuring there is something for everyone.
“There is a strong sense of pride here, and this project is a reflection of what can happen when a community works together toward a shared goal,” says Laura Frost, Board member with the Elko Parks and Recreation Association, which led the project. “Elko needed a dedicated outdoor area where people could gather, connect and be active.”
For years, residents had talked about creating a modern, inclusive recreation space. Alongside organizing activities such as bingo nights, a gardening club and playgroups, the association made the recreation project a community priority.
Two community engagement sessions helped shape the vision.
“Families wanted a quality playground for children, and adults were excited about having access to pickleball,” says Frost. “This project reflects what our community asked for and helped design.”
Community members also played a key role in bringing the project to life. Residents volunteered their time, donated supplies and supported fundraising efforts that included a bottle drive, lemonade stand, potluck, walk-a-thon and community dance.
“One of the things that makes Elko special is how willing people are to step up and help when needed,” Frost says. “The Elko Playground Committee, made up of parents from the community, dedicated hundreds of hours to brainstorming, planning, fundraising, organizing events, writing grant applications, doing physical labour and helping move the project forward every step of the way.”
Support from Columbia Basin Trust also helped make the project possible.
“Without the Trust’s support, this project would not have been possible,” Frost says. She also credits Community Liaison James Woodall for helping turn the vision into reality.
“He was incredibly supportive of our vision from the beginning and was a strong advocate for the project throughout the process,” she says.
The new playground and sport court are a welcome addition to the growing community, which continues to attract young families—including Frost’s own family, who moved to Elko eight years ago.
“This is more than a playground and sport court,” Frost says. “It’s a gathering place that will strengthen community connections for years to come.”
