Indoor multi-use fieldhouse moves into detailed design

Strathcona County Council has directed administration to move forward with detailed design work on the proposed indoor multi-use fieldhouse, at a cost of up to $5-million, funded through municipal reserves (no 2021 tax implication).

During the November 24, 2020 council meeting, administration provided an update on the following project elements: resident engagement findings, overall engagement summary and detailed design funding approach. A video concept of the indoor multi-purpose fieldhouse is available online at strathcona.ca/fieldhouse.

In total, administration heard from 1,883 residents and community groups through a SCOOP (opt-in) survey, open public survey and a community group survey. These responses represented over 11,000 members of the community. On average, 72 per cent of respondents support the development of an indoor fieldhouse, at an estimated investment of up to $90-million.

A complete report of survey responses will be posted online within the week, available at strathcona.ca/fieldhouse.

The proposed indoor fieldhouse would include a “full-size” non-boarded indoor turf with walking/running track, multi-use court spaces, multi-use meeting and program rooms and a social gathering/lobby space. The fieldhouse could accommodate a variety of indoor activities, including, but not limited to; baseball, softball, slo-pitch, soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse, field and ball hockey, running, walking, basketball, volleyball, bocce, pickleball and more.

The vision for the facility it to be an intergenerational community recreation and activity centre that supports the County’s vision of “becoming Canada’s most livable community.” If approved, this facility would meet local and regional recreation and social need and demand, while also contributing to job creation. This investment would support economic recovery through annual operations, construction and sport tourism.

Next steps include presenting site selection options for Council’s consideration in early 2021, with final budget approval for Council’s consideration in late 2021.

The exploration of a new indoor multi-use fieldhouse is an outcome of the recently approved Recreation and Culture Strategy Implementation Plan. The fieldhouse aligns with the top indoor needs identified as recreation and culture priorities, including indoor field space, gymnasium space, multi-use court space and an indoor fitness track.

Visit strathcona.ca/fieldhouse or call 780-467-2211 for more information about the proposed indoor multi-use fieldhouse.

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 hydrocarbon processing in Western Canada. Strathcona County is a leader in environmental conservation, and 55 per cent of its land is within the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere. 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