Kamloops-Thompson School District Opens New Parkcrest Elementary School

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Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director of Communications and Board Administration

On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education celebrated the opening of the newly rebuilt Parkcrest Elementary School, which was tragically destroyed in a fire on September 5, 2019.

Following the loss of the former school, the Kamloops-Thompson School District, along with Parkcrest staff, parents, families, and the community rallied to keep the Parkcrest students together while a new school was rebuilt.

Since September 2019, Parkcrest students have attended school at George Hilliard Elementary, where they remained together as a school community until June 2024. Now, at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, their brand new school is ready to welcome them back home.

“We're excited to welcome students and staff to the new Parkcrest Elementary,” shares Board Chair Heather Grieve. “This larger, modern facility reflects our commitment to supporting learning opportunities and environments which inspire students to thrive. It's a significant milestone for our community to return to Parkcrest Elementary after the devastating fire that destroyed the former school in 2019. We look forward to sharing this hopeful start to the new school year with students, families, and staff.”

On January 25, 2021, the new, expanded, and energy efficient Parkcrest Elementary School design was announced. With an investment of $34.84 million from the Government of BC and $300,000 from the Kamloops-Thompson School District, the new school was designed with a larger capacity of 510 seats (an additional 120 students spaces) to help prepare for expected enrollment growth in the community.

Thanks to the City of Kamloops’ investment of $2.5 million, the new Parkcrest Elementary houses a larger, full-size, air conditioned gymnasium. The City’s commitment allowed for additional space and change room facilities for sporting events. This new Parkcrest gymnasium promises to be a highlight for the community and students, who have expressed excitement for playing dodgeball with the advantage of higher ceilings. 

“The City of Kamloops is excited to celebrate the reopening of Parkcrest Elementary,” shares Deputy Mayor Stephen Karpuk. “Beyond the classroom, schools play an important role as community centres that connect neighbours. That's why we've partnered with School District No. 73 on this project to create a full-size gymnasium that will host recreation programs and activities for residents of all ages. We look forward to working together to build a stronger community through this beautiful facility.”

Since construction on the new school officially began in 2022, neighbourhood families have eagerly watched their new school rise from the ashes as a hopeful reminder of new beginnings. Returning to the original Parkcrest location offers closure and a renewed school spirit. Through all the changes of the past few years, the Parkcrest community stayed strong as a community and this week they’ll join together once again to cheer “We are Parkcrest” for the first time in their new school.

“This is an exciting and emotional day for all of us at the Kamloops-Thompson School District, especially the close-knit Parkcrest community of students, parents, teachers, and staff. We look forward to supporting the countless learning opportunities that this new, modern, and expanded school will provide for generations to come,” shared Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Nixon.

In the words of one Parkcrest student, “brand new school, brand new year,” and that certainly is a reason to celebrate.