Airdrie has always been an exceptionally active community, but keeping up with local appetite for sports, swimming, and wellness has meant heavy strain on existing facilities. Freshly released detailed design renderings for the new Southwest Recreation Centre showcase how the City plans to change that.
Located at the corner of Southwinds Boulevard and Southwinds Drive and slated to open in 2030, the facility will include a pool, arenas, gymnasium, fieldhouse, and a free public walking track. The all-in-one complex promises long-awaited relief for local sport organizations and families.
“It’s exciting to see the details coming together and to get a clearer picture of what our new recreation centre will look like,” says Mayor Heather Spearman.
“These renderings give Airdronians a chance to see progress being made and a chance to start seeing… how they might enjoy all the spaces once the doors actually open.”
The updated renderings reflect progress made during the detailed design phase, where concepts approved during schematic design are being refined into the plans and technical specifications that will guide construction. This stage focuses on the many smaller details that shape how people will experience the facility, from lockers to lighting, display requirements, door widths and more.
Key highlights this quarter include:
- Earlier this year, City council approved a single-phase construction approach, meaning the pool, fitness centre, arenas, gymnasium, fieldhouse and indoor family activity zone will all open at once in 2030.
- The facility will feature a public indoor running track that can be accessed without paying a facility admission fee, providing an indoor space for residents to get active year-round at no cost.
- The Southwest Recreation Centre is currently in the ‘Class C’ estimate phase. During this phase, project costs become more accurate as design work progresses and additional project details are confirmed. Budget estimates are not publicly released during this stage, as the City is preparing for future procurement activities and wants to help ensure a competitive bidding process that delivers the best value for taxpayers.
What comes over the next quarter:
- An update on the Pick the Play Experience community engagement, which asked residents to share their preferences for the indoor family activity zone will be released later this fall.
- The City will continue working with sport organizations and accessibility interest holders to help refine the facility’s design and ensure it supports a wide range of activities, abilities and needs.
- The project will move into the construction drawing phase where detailed plans are finalized and documented to support future procurement, permitting and construction activities.
- A ‘Class B’ estimate will be developed, an important step as the project progresses toward procurement and construction planning.
While the renderings provide a snapshot of the project today, detailed design work will continue over the coming months. Upcoming engagement with sport organizations and accessibility interest holders will help the project team gather additional feedback as the design continues to be refined.
Following regular quarterly updates to City council, administration will begin sharing project updates to help residents follow the Southwest Recreation Centre project. These updates will provide information on key developments, project milestones and upcoming work as the Southwest Recreation Centre moves toward opening day.
After schematic design, the project advances into detailed design, producing coordinated drawings and specifications required for procurement. This stage finalizes architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical components to prepare for construction. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.
To learn more about the Southwest Recreation Centre project, visit airdrie.ca/swrecreationcentre and airdrie.ca/swrecreation-updates.
