OCNews

With the Don Folk and Family Recreation and Wellness Centre rapidly taking shape on Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus, excitement is building among students, donors and community supporters as the Thrive Here campaign enters its final stretch toward a $14 million goal. 

Designed to support not only athletics but also connection, wellness and belonging, the Centre is poised to become a vibrant hub for OC students and employees and the community. Scheduled to open in fall 2026, the Centre will include a competition-size gymnasium, fitness suite and weight room, suspended indoor track, flexible fitness studios and seating for more than 700 spectators.  

Generosity Thrives Here 

That same spirit of community is also driving one of the newest fundraising initiatives connected to the project. 

A collective of construction companies and trades partners working on the project, brought together by TKI Construction, has kick-started a $100,000 campaign to support and name The Constructor’s Studio — one of the Centre’s flexible fitness and wellness spaces. The construction companies have donated $80,000 to date, marking another significant step toward the Thrive Here campaign’s $14 million fundraising goal. 

“The Constructor’s Studio is symbolic because it reflects the pride and commitment of the people helping bring this building to life,” said Brandon Panopoulos, President of TKI Construction. “The tradespeople and companies building this space are also investing in the students and community who will benefit from it for generations.” 

Helen Jackman, Executive Director at Okanagan College Foundation, says the Recreation and Wellness Centre is already inspiring a powerful sense of momentum and community ownership. 

“This Centre represents so much more than a building,” said Jackman. “It will be a place where students discover confidence, resilience, teamwork and belonging. Seeing our community come together to help bring this vision to life has been incredibly inspiring.” 

The project has been made possible through the support of community champions, including the Folk family, the City of Kelowna, local businesses and donors who believe in the power of education, wellness and community connection. 

Excitement builds among students 

For Okanagan College student and curling athlete Lauren Cochrane, the future Centre represents something much bigger than a gym. She understands firsthand the pressures many post-secondary students face while balancing classes, work and personal responsibilities, and how spaces that support mental and physical well-being are essential to their success. 

“You can really imagine the energy that this space is going to bring to campus,” said Lauren. “It’s going to give students a place to move, take care of themselves, meet people and feel part of something bigger. College can be stressful and busy. Having a space where we can reset, stay active and spend time together will make a huge difference. It creates community.” 

With the roof and walls now in place and opening day on the horizon, students like Lauren say anticipation across campus continues to grow. 

“It already feels like something special,” she said. “You can tell this is going to become the heart of campus.” 

Construction footage and interviews with Lauren Cochrane and Brandon Panopoulos are available here: https://youtube.com/shorts/oEM-K9CptWg  

Thrive Here Campaign 

The Thrive Here campaign is raising funds for the Don Folk and Family Recreation and Wellness Centre at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus. The Centre will create new opportunities for recreation, wellness, student connection and community gathering, helping build a healthier and more vibrant campus experience for generations to come. 

As the project nears completion and the campaign approaches its fundraising goal, it’s not too late to be part of the community that has helped make this vision possible. 

Help us cross the finish line.  

Learn more and donate at https://www.okanagancollege.ca/oc-foundation/recreation-and-wellness-centre.