Four rec options go to public in Sparwood

Sparwood residents will soon be asked to weigh in on four possible directions for the future of recreation facilities in the community.

Director of Community Services Jenna Jensen provided council with an update on the Recreation Facility Advisory Committee during the April 21 regular meeting.

Jensen said the committee, known as RFAC, began onboarding in September 2024 and has since carried out extensive community engagement.

She said that work showed the community leaned heavily toward a large span indoor space for sports and events.

“The committee, in collaboration with consultants RC Strategies, received concept designs and costing details for new facility options that would meet those objectives,” said Jensen.

Those options ranged in total cost from about $23 million to $33 million in today’s market according to Jensen.

She said the committee considered the information along with the condition of the current facility and the district’s financial position. RFAC has now identified four potential options and plans to gather public feedback before making a final recommendation to council.

The first option is to maintain the current facility and save for capital replacement.

“This is what the district is currently doing now, although we have identified that there is a shortfall in funds,” added Jensen.

The second option is to maintain the current facility, continue saving and complete renovations and upgrades. Jensen said this would involve a one-time injection of about $5 million to go beyond general maintenance.

“This will go above and beyond general maintenance and provide some renovation and upgrades that will benefit a wide variety of users,” said Jensen.

Jensen said each option includes maintaining and saving for the current facility because any new building would not replace the pool, arena or curling rink.

“This would just be a large span indoor space, so maintaining the current facility that we have was definitely important,” said Jensen.

The third option is to maintain the current facility and save, while adding a new facility using an alternative building approach. Jensen said examples could include a sprung structure or air supported dome.

The fourth option is to maintain the current facility and save while adding a new facility using a traditional building approach.

Jensen said the committee was scheduled to review engagement materials at its April 23 meeting. 

Sparwood public engagement is expected to begin in early May and close in early July.