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Construction Begins on Glenmore Twin Arena in Calgary
Work has officially commenced on the Glenmore Twin Arena, a new twin-rink facility being developed in southwest Calgary to replace the aging Stu Peppard Arena. The project represents a significant investment of $85.6 million and is located at Glenmore Athletic Park, with completion expected in 2027.
The new facility will significantly enhance the current single-sheet ice rink at Stu Peppard, which has been in operation since 1962. The aging arena has faced criticism for its condition, with Ward 11 City Councillor Kourtney Penner referring to it as, “The stinkiest hockey rink in the entire city,” during the recent sod-turning ceremony.
The Glenmore Twin Arena is designed to offer comprehensive amenities, including a conference room, classroom space, a multi-use room, a warmup area, accessible washrooms, an elevator, and seating capacity for 1,000 spectators in one rink and 300 in the other.
Focus on Accessibility and Energy Efficiency
Kerensa Swanson Fromherz, the Director of Public Spaces Delivery for the City of Calgary, highlighted two primary aspects of the arena’s design during the announcement. The facility places a strong emphasis on universal accessibility, featuring walkways that allow easy access to the building and barrier-free viewing areas to enhance the experience for both participants and spectators.
Additionally, the arena aims to achieve improved energy efficiency, with plans to install solar panels on the roof to help power the building.
The construction aligns with Calgary’s recently adopted GamePLAN strategy, which aims to increase the availability of ice spaces by 25% by 2050. This initiative seeks to provide one sheet of ice for every 32,000 residents, catering to the needs of Calgary’s expanding population.
Community Engagement and Future Vision
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek expressed that the council’s approval of this project in June 2021 was driven not only by the necessity to upgrade aging infrastructure but also by the community’s demand for more recreational facilities. She noted that residents expressed a desire for increased ice time and gathering spaces that would encourage families, seniors, and youth to stay active and connect with one another.
“Whether you are chasing your Olympic dreams or learning to skate for the very first time, this will be a place where memories are made,” Gondek stated, emphasizing the importance of the arena to the community.
As Calgary moves forward with this significant construction project, the Glenmore Twin Arena stands to become a vital hub for community engagement and recreational activities, highlighting the city’s commitment to enhancing public spaces for its citizens.
Source
globalnews.ca