New designs for an indoor velodrome and recreation centre were released by the city Tuesday night, and the project is getting rave reviews from local athletes.
The recreation centre would be built in Coronation Park, and would include a velodrome, running track and sports fields.
It would also provide a corridor to the pool at Peter Hemingway Fitness and Leisure Centre.
“Everyone should know how to swim, everyone should know how to run, everyone should know how to ride a bike,” said triathlete trainer Elise Gaudet. “Triathlon is really a lifestyle sport, so the velodrome is going to be accessible to anyone who literally wants to give it a try.”
Part of the plan to revitalize the area would be to tear down the outdated Coronation Arena.
“Even just having a rec centre makes our community more attractive, and that can only help it bring in more families,” said Woodcroft Community League member Alan Schietzsch.
While the mayor supports the idea, he says there are a number of projects competing for money.
“I think there are a lot of things going for this project, but it’s going to have to compete in this fall’s infrastructure budget with all the other priorities,” said Mayor Don Iveson.
In 2012, the estimated price of the project was nearly $100 million. If approved, construction could begin as early as 2015.
With files from David Ewasuk
