The Lacombe Athletic Park Association (LAPA) briefed Lacombe County council Wednesday afternoon on what has been a “tremendous year” for the non-profit group tasked with operating MEGlobal Athletic Park.

LAPA chair Darren Berg said there’s more work to be done. He said the group and its board will determine its future priorities, whether it’s fieldhouse expansion or adding a track to the facility, and then figure out how to fundraise for them.

“We’re not done yet,” Berg said.

As for 2017 highlights, the first thing that comes to Berg’s mind is the Canada 150 celebration, which concluded with a free concert by Gord Bamford and drew about 15,000 people to Lacombe -- more visitors in one day than the park receives in an entire month.

As well, basketball courts were opened to the public. It was a $189,000 project, much of it funded through donations.

The organization was also named Not-for-Profit of the Year at the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala.

“It`s wonderful recognition for all our volunteers and all the hours they put in. The Lacombe Athletic Park Association has been an active volunteer organization since 2009 and many people have put in a lot of time and effort to making the park what it is today,” Berg said.

Later this month, MEGlobal Athletic Park will host provincial championships for high school football, bringing 10 teams and 4,000 people to town.

LAPA operates on an annual budget of $270,000. The City of Lacombe contributes an operating allowance of $50,000 per year until 2020; Lacombe County, $30,000 per year until then.