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Recreation Facility Master Plan

The need for a multipurpose recreation centre in north central Edmonton was identified through extensive public consultation during the development of the Recreation Facility Master Plan. This north central facility aims to complement the City Centre YMCA and meet the needs of residents north of the downtown core.

North Central Facility Component Priority Assessment

In 2005 a comprehensive North Central Facility Component Priority Assessment was completed by the City of Edmonton to determine the recreation needs for communities in north central Edmonton.

This needs assessment identified the vision for the centre and the high priority elements based on:

• Extensive resident, community & stakeholder input
• Community demographics
• Identified needs
• Existing opportunities in north central Edmonton
  
  

Community's Vision of the Centre

• Enrich the quality of life of residents in north central Edmonton
• Continuum of services and programs that are important to the development of health and wellness of the community
• A resource for total health and wellness
• A community place, designed to meet the needs of residents and reflective of the diversity in the north central community
  

Community's Guiding Principles for the Centre

• Amenities and services selected to complement priorities of the community through a mix of casual and structured leisure and learning opportunities.
• A seamless environment, where multiple family members can engage in activities spontaneously in one facility.
•  A comfortable and friendly centre that engages the community, creates a sense of belonging and reflects local history and diverse ethnicity and culture of the community.
• A welcoming place to go and belong; where residents can meet with family and friends.
• Accessible by walking, cycling, transit and by personal vehicle.
• Programs and services created for individuals and families, spanning a range of activities for all generations in a fun, safe, caring and welcoming "community hub" environment.
• Diversity of cultures in the community is demonstrated through facility design and provision of multilingual programs, facility promotion and signage.
• Designed, developed, and operated in a manner that ensures services are accessible to all residents regardless of age, income, gender, ethnicity or ability.
• Offer financial assistance to those who cannot afford admission or services through the City of Edmonton's Access to Recreation Program.
• Offers many community based programs to build self-esteem, strengthen positive values and healthy behaviours and family relationships.
• Services and programs will be delivered in a manner that ensures collaboration with residents, education facilities, and businesses of North Central Edmonton.
• Opportunities explored to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly design, reduce energy consumption, and innovative technologies.
• Provide adequate parking.

Facility Design Principles

• The centre will be designed as a welcoming place that creates a sense of belonging and reflects the history and diversity of the community.
• A mix of amenities and services that reflect the priorities of the community will be provided through casual and structured leisure and learning opportunities.
• The centre will be accessible by walking, cycling, transit or car.
• The centre will provide services and programs directed at health and wellness, recreation, sport, art and culture.
• All services will be accessible to all residents regardless of age, income, gender, ethnicity or ability.
• Opportunities will be explored to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly design, reduce energy consumption and incorporate innovative technologies.

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