Future plans to upgrade Stettler Recreation Centre will be explored by a committee focus group that has been established by the Town of Stettler.
At its regular meeting May 4, town council finalized the committee of facility users and set the first meeting for May 25.
“The architect should be hired by the end of June and it is anticipated that the committee will use most of the coming year with plans to submit a report with recommendations to council in early 2011,” said Mayor Dick Richards.
While one couple represents both seniors and fitness users on the focus group, council wants to include representatives for younger seniors and older seniors.
“We definitely want to include seniors on the committee to help us determine the recreation needs of all ages,” said Mayor Richards.
With a vision for the recreaton centre to serve the community for the next 30 years, the committee will collect information that would impact operations of the facility and will work with the architect to:
• Review needs of existing users and determine any new users that should be involved.
• Provide and research relevant energy upgrades available.
• Provide changes required to increase the longevity of the building.
• Complete a design based on recommendations and prepare plans ready for tender.
Built in 1995 with two ice rinks and Stettler Public Library, the recreation centre was expanded with a pool and leisure centre in 2005.
“The library is requesting more space and seniors want a new recreation facility,” said Mayor Richards.
“The focus group will collect all information that will impact the operations of the recreation centre for the next 30 years such as seniors’ needs, library expansion, all participants and needs of the recreation centre community,”
Improving the recreation centre was ranked the third priority by council as it reviewed the town’s strategic plan.
Appointed to the committee were Mayor Dick Richards, (Councilor Al Campbell as alternate), County of Stettler Reeve Earl Marshall (Councillor Vic Carey as alternatve), head librarian Deborah Cryderman of Stettler Public Library, junior B hockey Stettler Lightning head coach Doug Smith, Kevin Repchuk of Stetter Minor Hockey Association, Dave McCann of Stettler Swim Club, Ingrid Shepard of Stettler Figure Skating Club, John and Rose Grant representing seniors and fitness users and members-at-large, Norm Ternes and Mark MacNaughton, along with town staff that includes town manager Rob Stoutenberg, parks and leisure services director Lee Penner, facility manager Brian Wollis and pool manager Sonia Dodd.
Parking lot by Legion
An upgraded parking lot north of Stettler Legion at 51 Street and 51 will be developed over the next few months with a cost estimated at just over $60,000.
Council received a report from staff indicating that the project would cost $52,946 to develop and $7,500 to pave.
“Ashphalt structure of the lot would be designed for passenger and light-weigh vehicles and not for school buses and heavier commercial delivery trucks,” said town manager Rob Stoutenberg, noting that $64,000 has been budgeted.
“I know council wants to enhance parking lots downtown and this parking lot by the Legion has raised some issues recently.”