As a Capilano community resident you have a unique opportunity to make a significant difference to those who live in your community. Since 1958 the Capilano Community League has played a key role in providing recreational and social facilities and programming to the residents of this area. Led by a core of volunteers willing to dedicate their time to improve the quality of life in our community, the Capilano Community League has a rich and rewarding history of service to its residents. Fundraising through memberships, bingos and eventually casinos, the community league has been able to deliver facilities and programming that otherwise would not be available locally. This has been done largely through the dedication and efforts of a small group of community league volunteers. Over the years the efforts of people like Maurice Pourier, Al Park, Bob Breakenridge, Gregg Meropoulis, and Bill Burtnik, supported by a committed executive and a core of committee workers and volunteers, have made a difference in their community.
Programming
Youth programming like Capilano Playschool, Pedal Pushers, Hardisty Soccer, the Green Shack playground program, Halloween, Christmas and Family Day festivals, the Hardisty Gymnastics Club, and Capilano Tennis Club have gone a long ways towards pulling our community together and offering our youth opportunities, either for free or at affordable prices. On the social side, pub nights, winter carnivals, Snowflake Shakers and Volunteer Appreciation nights offered by the community league have given neighbors the chance to connect and become a real community.
Facilities
Capilano Community League facilities development includes:
1950’s - 60’s: construction of first hall, rink, and rink shack;
1970’s: development of first playground and tennis courts;
1980’s - 90’s: expansion of hall, construction of a deck, resurfacing of tennis courts and new playground;
2000 - Present: renovated hall kitchen, floor, new steel and puck board rink, clubhouse renovation, tennis court resurfacing; and
Future plans include: replacing the existing playground, tennis court and rink lighting improvements and resurfacing the parking lot.
The Challenge
Many hands make small work; however, without the support of the membership, Capilano Community League faces an uncertain future.
A number of current executive including our president Bill Burtnik have played active roles in the community league while their children were growing up and now are looking to the next generation to step in and carry on this rich tradition of volunteerism. The task is manageable and is very rewarding when one can look back and see the visible results of his or her contribution to the community. The executive meets at 7:30 p.m. for a couple hours every third Wednesday of the month, from September to June. A baby sitting stipend is offered to those who need coverage while the meetings are on and complimentary refreshments are served at the conclusion of each meeting.
The executive welcomes residents who want to drop in and check out the meetings and would mentor anyone who wants to get involved but does not know how the community league operates and the roles and responsibilities of executive positions.
Gregg Meropoulis
Capilano resident and community league member since 1984