Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/175815
COURTESY THE WORKUN GARRICK PARTNERSHIP / COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE SPORTSPLEX County of Grande Prairie Sportsplex by Laurie Jones he County of Grande Prairie – like many regions in Alberta enjoying prosperity – realized its population growth was on a continued expansion path. As land was being subdivided, administrators took an opportunity to initiate a plan for the future. In a hamlet called Clairmont, located near the city of Grande Prairie, they developed acreage for the County of Grande Prairie Sportsplex, creating the largest single construction project the region has undertaken. "Because of its proximity to the City of Grande Prairie, Clairmont has become a growth area for the county," says John Simpson, director of planning and development for the County of Grande Prairie. "Our economies are intertwined between the region and the city, so we took it upon ourselves to develop a facility that will be regional in nature." From that initial idea, the County of Grande Prairie Sportsplex design came to life, spanning over 42 acres. It features two NHL-size ice pads with seating for 250 at each rink, a 35,000-square-foot FIFA indoor soccer half-pitch, a hightech indoor running track around the perimeter of the ieldhouse, a 4,000-square-foot itness facility and meeting rooms. Outside there will be two rugby pitches, three full-size soccer pitches and three junior soccer pitches. "Often when facilities like the Sportsplex are built they can create issues for nearby residential areas, such as increased noise and traf ic," says Simpson. "We were able to acquire land within the industrial area which will allow us to hold tournaments and spinoff activities that will not interfere with the other land uses in the vicinity." The magnitude and scale of the County of Grand Prairie Sportsplex will be a lot to take in for local residents, primarily because there has not been anything of this size developed previously. However, with the forecasting for future population growth, people will appreciate the efforts done in 2012. "The user groups we have spoken to are thrilled about this project because there will be additional ice time to grow the athletic programs, and the facility is not in competition with other sports complexes in the region," says Simpson. Nustadia Recreation Inc. has been contracted to manage the Sportsplex, taking on all aspects of day-to-day operation. "As it is a regional facility, the Sportsplex will become a gathering centre for the community, particularly during the cold winter months," says Dave Stecyk, Sportsplex general manager with Nustadia Recreation. "During the summer months, the Sportsplex will be the premier centre for the soccer and rugby T County of Grande Prairie Sportsplex p.42-43County of Grand Prairie.indd 43 communities. Local rugby organizations have also expressed interest in putting a rugby clubhouse on site in the future." Seeding for all the ields began in 2012, however, anticipated start dates will be in 2014. "This complex has a number of unique design applications, such as the 20-foot-wide concourse at the top of the seating areas in the arenas," says Stecyk. "A glass partition creates a comfortable viewing area. Future plans include food and beverage services, including a licenced lounge." The soccer ieldhouse, adjacent to the arenas, will include high-end ield turf in the 70-metre by 50-metre pitch. "Allowances were made in the design to increase the half-pitch ield to full size, if the need arises, by knocking out a wall and doing a retro it." The Workun Garrick Partnership is the architect for the County of Grande Prairie Sportsplex, providing complete design services for the facility. The irm also gave input as to where the complex would be set on the 42-acre land base. "Our irst committee meeting was in November 2010, and I've been involved in the project since then," says Dave MacGregor, architect. "We're anticipating substantial completion in November 2012, with an of icial opening in early 2013." MacGregor says there are several aspects that stand out for the irm, including the minimization of visual barriers. "Another component we are proud of is the quantity of glazing that was included. We introduced a great deal of glass and viewing areas to create transparency within the building. Secondly, the itness centre that extrudes over the front entry is eye-catching. The other impressive section is the 50,000-square-foot indoor soccer ieldhouse space, with dividing curtains for play on even smaller ields. We believe there is only one other soccer ieldhouse of this type in Canada – in Moose Jaw, Sask." The metal-clad exterior is highlighted with wood accents at the entrance. The lobby connects all the spaces with an atrium space to view ongoing activities. The multipurpose meeting spaces are designed to accommodate activities relating to the athletic activity, including small banquets. A small food concession will also be available for functions. "This project went very smoothly, and we're looking forward to the completed facility," says MacGregor. "The contractor, Kaldon Construction Limited, is based in Grande Prairie so they are well-equipped to take on any winter challenges that have come along." Once the decision for placement of the Sportsplex was con irmed, Beairsto Lehners Ketchum Engineering was contracted to complete all exterior facilities beyond the curb line of the building. "We were responsible for setting the elevation of the building and the grading around the facility," says Ian Ketchum, partner. "We also handled the designing of parking lots, placing storm sewers, the servicing of sanitary water, irrigation, landscaping and ield design, plus the exterior lighting." Ketchum says the amount of ield included with the Sportsplex and the advanced seeding and irrigation systems is unusual in the area. "The result is that they will have high-class ields that are really well groomed. Another factor that makes this project stand out is the LED lighting for roads and parking areas." Conduits were also set in place for potential lighting and scoreboards on the ields at some point in the future. "Another positive was the addition of a pond for stormwater capture," says Ketchum. "This water can be used for ield irrigation and other landscaping." Residents are eager to have a preliminary tour. "We expect the majority of users to live in, or close to the city, but it is also a destination facility for the entire region," says Simpson. ■ LOCATION 7407 108 Street Clairmont, Alberta OWNER/DEVELOPER County of Grande Prairie OPERATIONS MANAGER Nustadia Recreation Ltd. ARCHITECT The Workun Garrick Partnership CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Kaldon Construction Ltd. STRUCTURAL/ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Schuenhage Popek & Associates Ltd. MECHANICAL CONSULTANT Hemisphere Engineering Inc. MUNICIPAL CONSULTANT Beairsto Lehners Ketchum Engineering TOTAL AREA 176,043 square feet TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST $29.2 million OCTOBER 2012 /43 9/11/12 11:47 AM