The recent renovations at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex in Lacombe have earned some provincial recognition.

(Bill Metcalfe (centre) presents the William Metcalfe Award to City of Lacombe Parks & Facilities Manager Calvin Bennefield (left) and Facility Supervisor Ron Selvais - photo courtesy City of Lacombe)

The City of Lacombe is the recipient of the William Metcalfe Award from the Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel (AARFP).

That award recognizes an individual, group or organization that has contributed significantly to recreation -- locally, provincially or nationally.

Parks and Facilities Manager Calvin Bennefield is proud of the outcome of the project.

“Council made the bold decision was to renovate a 48 year old facility with a small lobby, small dressing rooms and inadequate refrigeration system, up to a modern sportsplex that meets all current building and safety code standards”.

While Community Services Director Brenda Vaughan thanks the community for taking disruptions at the facility in stride.

“The renovations took over two and a half years to complete; however, the facility stayed operational during construction in no small part due to the support, collaboration and will of the many user groups who graciously worked around the construction.”

It was a 15 million dollar project that included renovations to existing common areas, increasing washroom capacity, new dressing rooms and expanded hallways, as well as a number of mechanical upgrades for the arena and pool.

The award was presented to City recreation staff at the 41st Annual Recreation Facility Personnel Conference and Trade Show, held from April 15-18 in Banff.