Since opening in 2014 the Abbey Centre continues to see an increase in usership and continues to fill a need in Central Alberta says Blackfalds Mayor Melodie Stol.

Offering everything from fitness to aquatics and a play place for children, the centre saw over 88,000 visits from members last year.

But despite not seeing the growth that they had wanted in 2016, Stol explained it was still an increase from the year before.  

“We still had more pass sales than the previous year, but I think we would have liked more users,” Stol said.

“We did see the pool with the cooler evenings not getting as many people and also with the economic climate, people are being a little more choosey about how long of a membership they’re getting.”

Stol added they’re hoping to see an increase in annual memberships this year, which will allow the town to add better programing and more options into the centre. 

New this year for users to enjoy, will be drop in fitness classes.

“When we have these drop in classes it really does add to the value of the membership, so we are trying to make a few of those classes available so people can go at a variety of times,” Stol said.

The Agricultural Society Amphitheatre which was officially completed last October will also see more use this year as it will host events like Winterfest and Blackfalds Days.