New floor will offer new options for Irricana
Irricana residents will no longer have to drive to a larger community to enjoy the benefits of an indoor recreation centre.
With the unveiling of its new $63,000 multi-flooring project, during a ceremony and open house at the town’s rec complex, April 30, Irricana will now be able to offer indoor sporting activities for its residents.
“It’s great for the community to have a facility, that’s for sure,” said Cathy O’Donoghue, community services officer with the Town of Irricana. “I think it will spread quickly by word of mouth, that this will be the place to be. It was sitting empty and look at it now.”
The flooring project was initiated in 2007 through ACE (Active Creative and Engaged) Communities. That group provided the initial seed funding and led efforts to co-ordinate local volunteers and channel various other funding sources.
The Federal RinC Grant also supplied nearly $22,000; MSI funding was $20,000; the Irricana Lions Club contributed $10,000; close to $7,200 was provided by a Irricana AG Society/Irricana Curling Club partnership; and the ACE seed funding was $4,500.
“When the federal government created this recreational infrastructure it was because many of these older buildings needed to be restored or renovated,” said Crowfoot MP Kevin Sorenson.
“We’re excited. It’s really helped here in Irricana and it’s helping across the country. They don’t have a school here and a lot of the young folks that live here are looking for things to do. It’s good to come back and see a progressive community that looks to its needs, which here means giving the youth something to do. I think this is a remarkable facility now.”
The new flooring system, which features interchangeable tiles and has a lifespan of close to 30 years, will be used with the also newly purchased basketball, volleyball, soccer and hockey equipment.
New programming will be organized for participants with ages ranging from infant to adult, while registration fees are designed to be affordable for all families and individuals. The programs will be offered weekly from May to August or September and the building will be available for rental during the day and on weekends.
“In the past, we had a curling rink but we had nothing for the youth to do in the summer,” said Irricana Mayor Josh Taylor. “Now we have the new floor, which should be good for the community and the youth of this area. It’s another good reason for people to come to Irricana.”
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