Residents in the MD's west end have a chance to give their two cents about future recreation facilities in the area.
Residents in the MD's west end have a chance to give their two cents about future recreation facilities in the area.
A survey delivered to 3,734 mailboxes this spring is asking residents if they see a need for an Active Living Recreation Centre at the Seaman Sports Park west of the Millarville Race Track and what types of facilities they would use.
Residents have until May 31 to respond.
The first step of the Seaman Sports Park began with the construction of two regulation-sized ball diamonds, an access road and parking in 2013, a $280,000 project expected to be complete in 2016.
“People are seeing progress with the ball diamonds and now we want to engage them in the next step,” said Coun. Suzanne Oel.
“We just want to show council that we have good support in moving forward so we're excited to get some traction on this project and to hear from our community.”
In its plans to build a 30-acre sports park, the MD of Foothills formed the North West Foothills Recreation Board in 2010 to explore and develop recreation projects in divisions 3, 4 and 5, which include the Millarville, Priddis, Red Deer Lake and DeWinton areas.
To date, $840,000 has been invested in the project including $250,000 from Doc Seaman out of the Scott Seaman Fund through the Calgary Foundation, $23,000 from the Scott Seaman Foundation, $50,000 from the Millarville Sports Association and the remainder from the MD of Foothills.
The first phase of an indoor facility could see an ice arena, fitness space, seniors' club, library, museum, walking track and multi-purpose rooms, similar to that of the Scott Seaman complex in Heritage Heights.
MD council will consider the results of the survey, which began in March, when updating the recreation facility plan, said Oel.
“We're working really hard to get it out there,” she said, adding residents have been informed of the survey through various newsletters and at public events.
“This really gives us an indication to see where we will go next with our project.”
Oel said the more people who participate and show support, the better chance it will be supported by council.
“I would be absolutely thrilled if we had over 10 per cent (participation),” she said. “I would like our community to say they would like to have us work on their behalf to be part of this.”
Oel said any resident in the MD can offer input.
“It's evolved from looking at a facility for one community to a facility that would include more communities,” she said.
Oel said residents in her division tell her they support more recreational opportunities in the MD.
“There's been enthusiasm in this community,” she said. “The location is great. It's the hub of our community in that area. Lots of our activities take place there and there are opportunities for partnerships.”
Coun. Ron Chase said residents in his division, which include Red Deer Lake and DeWinton, are also expressing a desire for a recreation facility.
However, the uncertain financial times could delay the project, Chase said.
“There seems to be a concern over low oil prices and the change of government and that has to be taken into consideration.”
Chase said it's hard to determine when a project like this would be complete, if approved, but he sees it as viable in the future.
“It's about time that the residents in our area got a facility,” he said. “It's been a steady developing process. I think it will eventually be successful.
“Whatever can be done without raising taxes we should be looking at that seriously.”
The online survey is available at nwfoothillsrec.com until May 31.
For more information contact Suzanne Oel at 403-931-2711 or Steve Fisher 403-931-1611.
