Residents invited to give feedback on Leisure Centre Study.

The City of Lethbridge is currently engaging in a Leisure Centre Study. The purpose of the study is to determine if there is a future need in the community for a leisure centre, and to examine what components could be included as a part of this type of facility.

This study has been undertaken at the request of City Council after hearing from the community that there is a desire for a leisure centre to enhance quality of life opportunities within Lethbridge. "We envision a facility that would have the potential to be the community hub with programming and activities available for all citizens of our community," says Ashley Matthews, Recreation and Culture Manager with the City of Lethbridge.

In the fall of 2011, Group2 Architecture of Red Deer, along with local firm Ferrari Westwood Babits Architects, were selected to lead the study. They have been working with City staff and stakeholder groups to learn about the needs in Lethbridge for a facility that would address different recreational and sport activities. Group2 has been involved in many well known Leisure Centres built throughout the province such as Collicutt Centre in Red Deer and the Meadows Community Recreation Centre in Edmonton, plus members of the team worked on the University of Lethbridge's 1st Choice Savings Centre for Health and Wellness.

Public Open Houses to share the preliminary findings and get feedback from the community will be held from 7–9 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31st at Nicholas Sheran School and on Wednesday, February 1st at City Hall. Troy Smith, Principal Architect with Group2 shares, "We look forward to meeting and engaging with all future leisure centre users so that together we can build a vision which serves the needs of the community."

A presentation will take place from 7-7:45 p.m. each night. There will be an opportunity for questions, to meet those involved and look in closer detail at the different components of the potential leisure centre immediately following each presentation. While this is only a study, the work done now will help guide the process should the City move forward in the future to build such a complex. The final report from this study is expected to be presented to City Council in May 2012.

For those unable to attend the open houses, information will be shared on the City of Lethbridge website (www.lethbridge.ca) shortly after the open houses take place, and feedback and questions can be directed to Ashley Matthews at 403-320-3991.