The City of Red Deer now has a vision for the next 25 years when it comes to Rotary Park and the surrounding area.
City council approved the Rotary Recreation Park and South Area Concept Plan on Monday night.
“The plan truly looks to have a long range plan for amenities that are currently housed in Rotary Recreation Park and it also builds upon the amenities that are there and provides stronger linkages among the facilities,” said Craig Webber, principal with Group 2 Architects.
Webber added he thinks Red Deerians would be most interested in the development of the promenade which will begin at the Golden Circle and travel to the Red Deer Arena.
“I envision the promenade is where the farmers’ market will be held and other festivals,” he said.
Phase 1 of the plan would include the redevelopment of the curling centre as well as the construction of the promenade.
Phase 2 would include the relocation of the speed skating oval and the development of the north park area. This phase would also include the aquatics and tennis lot development and the development of a youth zone.
Phase 3 would include the replacement of the tennis ‘bubble’ and construction of the multi-use aquatics centre.
“The multi-use aquatics centre was looking at the opportunity to leverage existing amenities in the community,” said Webber. “The existing 25 metre pool which is in the Recreation Centre was recently upgraded and we looked at leveraging that and expanding the competition venue that would house a 50 metre tank.”
During the phasing the horseshoe pits and the lawn bowling would also be moved out of the Golden Circle Area.
The 2010 capital budget approved $150,000 for this project. Another $163,000 is proposed for the 2012 capital budget and $4.5 million in 2013.
“This plan lays out a great vision for this area,” said Councillor Cindy Jefferies. “When I think how that area will feel and how visitors will feel I think there is some ‘wow’ in that.”
Councillor Larry Pimm also liked the plan.
“It is a good plan but like any plan that’s 25 years out there has to be tremendous flexibility because things will change,” he said.
City council voted unanimously in favour of the Rotary Recreation Park and South Area Concept Plan.
