Calgary, AB,
29
May
2015
|
14:15
America/Denver

The City of Calgary and its partners are ‘dancing in the end zone’ at Shouldice Athletic Park.

 

Today, The City announced plans to proceed with Phase 3 of the Shouldice Athletic Park Redevelopment Project. This final phase of work is made possible with funding received from the Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) grant, and the fundraising efforts of the Greater Calgary Amateur Football Association (GCAFA). Work is anticipated to be complete in spring 2016.

“The project represents the successful partnership between the community, the Government of Alberta and The City of Calgary to achieve a common goal,” says Councillor Ward Sutherland. “This is a significant investment that will benefit thousands of Calgarians.”

With funding secured to complete the project, work will now proceed on the construction of new multi-sport user and spectator amenities in the Plaza, including additional change rooms, accessible public washrooms, player drop-off zones, improved pedestrian connections, landscaping and lighting. The Plaza will also include provisions for food trucks during high-volume spectator events.

“This is a long-awaited, highly anticipated redevelopment,” says Thomas Hansen, acting director of The City Recreation. “The park is a significant public space for Calgary’s sport community and these upgrades will create a more enjoyable experience for players and spectators alike.”

Upgrades began with the construction of three new artificial turf fields in 2009.  Development of the Plaza began in summer 2014 and is being extended to include the build-out of user and spectator amenities as the final phase of the project.

“Our association initiated this project in 2006 in response to an urgent need for amateur football fields in Calgary, artificial turf fields in particular,” says Greg Peterson, GCAFA president. “We approached The City with our vision and, while it’s taken a lot of hard work and collaboration, the football community is excited to be moving ahead with more amenities.”  

Designated by Council as the home of amateur football in Calgary in 1986, the park serves an estimated 6,000 football players of all ages and skill levels and is home to several other sport leagues and events. In 2014, bookings for soccer, softball, baseball, lacrosse, rugby and ultimate totalled nearly 7,500 hours. The new amenities will help meet demand and attract larger multi-sport tournaments and events.    

To date, The City has invested $4.1 million in the development of the Plaza, which lays the foundation for future upgrades and helps integrate the park by creating a shared space connecting amenities and improving the overall aesthetics of the park. The ACP grant of $5.69 million is dedicated to the final phase of the project.  

For more information, please visit calgary.ca/recreationprojects