To address the growing demand for indoor turf space in Grande Prairie, City Council is advancing plans for a new recreation facility, approving the development of approximately 3.21 hectares at a site near Trader Ridge to accommodate a new multi-sport air-supported structure.
“This project is an exciting step in expanding recreational infrastructure in our community,” said Grande Prairie Mayor, Jackie Clayton. “It will create new opportunities for athletes, families and multiple sport organizations while supporting the City’s commitment to accessible, high-quality recreation. Not only will this facility provide a much-needed indoor turf space for year-round training and competition, but it will also foster community engagement, encourage active lifestyles and strengthen Grande Prairie’s reputation as a hub for sports and recreation in the region.”
The idea for a new recreation facility has been under consideration since 2023, when Swan City F.C. highlighted the impact of the closure of the former Leisure Centre on local sports. Since then, Administration has evaluated sites, engaged stakeholders and explored cost-effective structure options.
Benefits of the new facility
The new facility will provide amenities for soccer, football, rugby and other field sports. Additionally, it will support sport tourism and economic development by attracting regional and provincial competitions.
Spanning 135,000 sq. ft., the facility will feature a full-size FIFA regulation field with flexible configurations. An auxiliary building will include locker rooms, public washrooms, a reception area and equipment storage. The design also allows for potential amenities such as a perimeter track and portable bleachers.
The site layout will also maximize parking availability while minimizing impacts on surrounding areas. The removal of the planned 139 Avenue connection will prevent shortcutting and overflow parking in adjacent neighborhoods, while pedestrian and cyclist connections to nearby neighborhoods will be maintained, similar to the Community Knowledge Campus design.
Next steps & timelines
The decision to move forward was made during Council’s February 24 meeting where Council approved the site and authorized its purchase for $2,384,904. Additionally, Council directed Administration to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the design and construction, with the 2025 Capital Plan amended accordingly to reflect this investment.
The RFP process will begin in February 2025, with contract awards expected in April 2025. Construction is set to start in July 2025, with completion anticipated in spring 2026.
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