MCARTHER ISLAND PARK
Watch for Marmots
Located on the north bank of the Thompson River, McArthur Island Park is a must-visit for the active tourist. Golf, soccer, football, baseball, cricket, and tennis games can be viewed as you stroll around the perimeter of the park on the paved trail.
McArthur Island is the home to many of Kamloops sports and recreation facilities. The 51 ha. (126 ac.) island is lavishly equipped with a variety of playing fields, a golf course, an indoor sports centre, bicycle paths, parks and picnic land, a lagoon, a wild flora and fauna reserve, marmots, a BMX track, tennis courts, walking trails, and so much more.
From the beginning, the potential of McArthur Island as a recreational playground area was recognized as “a big improvement from the barren sand dune area it was before the development of the centennial playing grounds”.
There is something for everyone on McArthur Island. Some of the unorganized recreational pursuits are walking, jogging and rollerblading on a 3.1 km paved perimeter walkway. A large portion of the walkway passes by unique and natural riparian areas adjacent to the sloughs. The deck along the south side provides a relaxing rest spot and a place to observe many different birds.
The number of ball diamonds and soccer pitches truly makes McArthur Island a fantastic tournament centre. There are nine ball diamonds, which are used by slo-pitch and minor baseball leagues, and two major baseball fields: Norbrock Stadium and Canada Games Ball Field.
Kamloops Skate Park
This concrete paradise is sure to make you wish you were a local! This 2,000 square metre beauty holds some of the best features in BC! Four-foot quarterpipes line the upper decks for maximum speed and flow, while the plethora of obstacles in the park will keep you busier than a boxing day sale!
McArthur Island Sports Centre
The Sports Centre contains a 1,200 seat arena and curling rink. Next door to the Sports Centre is the Youth Centre, home to the Boys & Girls Club.
McArthur Island Youth Centre
With a seating capacity from 100-444, this facility includes computer access, a full-size gymnasium, 2 kitchens, a craft room, a wood shop, a games/lounge room, and a teen room. The playing fields, tennis courts and natural setting of the island lends to the diversity of programs offered at the Club. This facility is used mainly for youth activity and is home to the Kamloops Boys and Girls Club.
Lawn Bowling
The McArthur Island Lawn Bowling Club has been located on McArthur Island for over 15 years and provides both social and recreational activities for many bowlers both young and old alike.
Norbrock Stadium
Norbrock was built as a 1967 Canada Centennial project and seats approximately 1,000 spectators. It comes alive every July during the Kamloops International Ball Tournament, which hosts both Canadian and U.S.A. teams.
Canada Games Ball Field
Canada Games Ball Field is a legacy from 1993 when Kamloops hosted this national event. Approximately 4,500 youth soccer players take advantage of McArthur Island’s six pitches. In addition, men’s, women’s and seniors’ leagues make the "island" their home.
McArthur Island Golf Course
McArthur Island Golf Course is a comprehensive golf facility complete with a 9-hole executive golf course, a large 40-stall driving range (covered for inclement days), and a mammoth 37,000 square foot natural grass putting course.
Xeriscape Demonstration Garden
In Kamloops, the City has promoted Xeriscaping through the creation of a Xeriscape Demonstration Garden in McArthur Park, and through holding several xeriscaping seminars. Xeriscaping emphasizes the efficient use of the minimum amount of water required to sustain an attractive and functional landscape.