Fundraising efforts have brought in close to $30,000 for amenities and enhancements to the new gym at Summerland Secondary School.

The gym opened on Nov. 13. Construction costs for the facility were $10.5 million. While that price was for an up-to-date gym, replacing the earlier gym constructed in 1951 did not include some enhancements for the gym.

These include an enhanced sound system, basketball hoops for the outside court, upgrades to the weight room and other amenities.

Alan Stel, principal of Summerland Secondary School, said a fundraising event on the evening of Nov. 13 raised $7,239. The fundraiser included ticket sales, baked goods sales, a 50/50 draw and a silent auction.

Around 200 people attended the event.

鈥淚t was so good of the community to support this,鈥� he said. 

Prior to the fundraising event, more than $22,000 had been raised for improvements and enhancements to the new facility. 

鈥淭he community was extremely generous,鈥� said Dave Stathers, a Summerland school trustee and a former teacher at Summerland Secondary School.

Donations are still being received at the school for the improvements.

Stel said the new gym will host many sports events in the future. He added that the facility may be usable for other events, including the high school鈥檚 graduation ceremonies in June.

The bleachers can seat 450 people, and the remaining floor area can accommodate between 200 and 400, he said.