The City of Chestermere is developing concepts for a new recreation centre to expand and improve the current Chestermere Regional Community Association (CRCA) building.
This project will hopefully bring several facilities to Chestermere to meet the demand of residents, while positioning the city as a destination for regional sports events and tournaments.
At the end of 2022, the city put out a survey to residents that shared current design concepts and potential inclusions for the new recreation centre. This survey is meant to help gather the public’s opinion and organize priorities for the development of further plans as we move forward.
So far, the survey has gathered the opinions of over 700 people and is still open for residents to complete if they have not had the chance yet. Of those who have completed the survey so far, 100% of responses indicated a need for a new recreation centre in Chestermere. (as pictured below)
One of the survey’s goals is to narrow down the interests and demand for certain features to be included in the plans for this new recreation centre. As shown in the current results, swimming and hockey are the two most popular amenities requested, followed closely by a splash park, indoor soccer fields, and basketball courts; which may also be used for volleyball and pickleball.
The survey also indicated that residents believe the project would benefit from the inclusion of an on-site “Sports Hotel” with a restaurant. A Sports Hotel would serve the needs of travelling sports teams who may be attending tournaments or other events at this new recreation centre, as well as facilitate visitors who may be coming to enjoy the other amazing recreation opportunities available in Chestermere. This Sports Hotel would be a source of revenue for the recreation centre and could cover some of the costs of facilities like the pool.
In addition to sports-related improvements, the survey has also shown that residents would benefit from a new library, business centre and an activity space for seniors. These types of additions will allow the space to become more of a community hub and will encourage people of all types to visit and enjoy the amenities this project will offer.
In addition to indoor facilities, this survey gauged the public opinion on more outdoor features as well. Over 88% of respondents said they would attend concerts and events at an outdoor stage / space if it was included. As well as over 75% of respondents said they think Chestermere needs an updated and improved skatepark and pump track, which could also be outdoors at the new recreation centre. These would be in addition to a variety of outdoor sports courts like basketball, tennis, and beach volleyball.
Within the survey, The City of Chestermere included the two official concept designs for residents to choose from. Currently these are just concepts and do not reflect the final designs but are to serve as feedback regarding the direction residents lean towards as these designs progress. Of the two options, over 68% of those who have responded prefer Option #2.
Overall, the survey has shown us that there is a huge demand from residents for a new recreation centre. It has provided insights for the city to better understand which direction and priorities are important to residents. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to provide this valuable feedback.
In the coming months, the city will provide additional engagement opportunities for residents and special interest groups to provide feedback and suggestions. Stay tuned for follow-up surveys, open houses, and a larger, more comprehensive recreation plan that will cover all recreation planning for the city.
