Imagining a new Recreation and Culture Strategy

Strathcona County is inviting the public’s input as planning begins for the next 12 years of recreation, parks and culture investments into the community.

“Strathcona County is widely known for its world-class recreation programming, facilities and cultural treasures, such as Festival Place,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “It’s now time to check back in with our community to listen for ideas on how the new strategy for recreation, parks and culture services can go even further to meet our community’s upcoming needs.”

The new Recreation and Culture Strategy will expand the County’s Recreation, Parks and Culture department’s current focus on revitalizing and introducing new indoor and open space infrastructure to a more holistic view of recreation, parks and cultural priorities in the community. This strategy will replace the County’s existing Open Space and Recreation Facility Strategy (OSRFS).

Several enhancements to community recreation came out of the OSRFS, including but not limited to, the construction of Emerald Hills Leisure Centre and Sports Pavilion with artificial turf, the revitalization of Ardrossan Recreation Complex, Josephburg Trail, and the Re/Max Spray Park and Playground. The OSRFS was designed to be completed by 2019.

Strathcona County residents are invited to provide input through numerous engagement activities during the development of the strategy.

As a first step, Strathcona County is inviting the public to apply for the strategy’s advisory committee. Membership of the advisory committee will represent a broad and diverse group of stakeholders. The committee’s goal is to ensure the Recreation and Culture Strategy meets the identified needs of Strathcona County’s community, through a realistic and feasible approach.

Applications for the Recreation and Culture Strategy Advisory Committee are being accepted until March 18, 2018. More information on how to apply.

The Recreation and Culture Strategy will outline the County’s short-term (up to four years), mid-term (four to eight years) and long-term (eight to 12 years into the future) recreational and cultural priorities.

More information on the Recreation and Culture Strategy or call 780-464-8480.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595