Airdrie City council heard the results of a service gap analysis for outdoor recreation amenities and concept themes for the municipality’s proposed future regional park, during its regular meeting on Nov. 21.
During the meeting, HarGroup Management Consultants provided council members with relevant thematic spatial concepts for the new park. Afterward, council determined its desired thematic option for the new regional park, which is to be situated on 185 acres of recently purchased land in northeast Airdrie.
The chosen concept incorporates a combination of organized sports facilities and civic, festival, and arts and cultural space resulting in a “premier multi-purpose event park” within the community.
According to Ann Wood, land administrator with the City, HarGroup was hired in April to build on the community needs assessment that was conducted previously to garner resident feedback on future park amenities.
Results of the study were presented to council during a regular meeting on March 7, concluding the public supported additional outdoor recreation amenities in the community, such as a ball diamond, rectangular sports field, and tennis/pickleball courts.
“This community engagement tool gave residents an opportunity to share their desires and preferences for future recreation amenities,” said Wood, during the council meeting.
She added together with City policies and documents, the consulting company used the results of the assessment to conduct a service gap analysis to further direct the course of the project.
In addition to the service gap analysis, HarGroup would also provide council with a suggestion of themes for the regional park that would build on its location, size, and geography, as well as create a “unique sense of place in Airdrie,” according to Wood.
The chosen theme includes a quad of baseball diamonds and several rectangular fields, an open event space featuring an outdoor stage, event shelters and supports, and the option for meeting/organization rooms to be shared by various groups in the community.
Additionally, a campground would support visitors coming to Airdrie for sport tournaments, festivals and events that could occur on site, as well as provide short-term camping needs for tourists.
“The concept recognizes both the sport and the celebration space needs for the community,” said Jon Hartenberger, principal of HarGroup. “These options both would be supported by a camping area.”
A natural area would include trails and interpretive features, which are likely to appeal to Airdronians for day use, as well as court pads or tennis/pickleball courts.
According to Hartenberger, a significant portion of the Northeast Regional Park is attributed to the option of taking full advantage of the natural and treed area available on site.
“The results of this work were conducted to inform the terms of reference for a master plan for the Northeast Regional Park,” Hartenberger said.
“Choices about key themes have to be made to take the planning to the next level where more detail and more distinction will be developed for what can and what will be included in the Northeast Regional Park.”
Previously, Wood had presented council with the suggested planning process for the park, which would include land planning, the creation of a master site plan, the determination of outdoor amenities, and the discussion and phasing of land development.
Wood said a master site plan will help establish where the chosen amenities should be placed, their budget, and necessary phasing. Those details would be determined with the help of data gathered through the City’s recently completed Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Facilities Needs Assessment.
“Once we have this direction, we will begin preparing the master site plan which will allocate space for the park’s amenities,” she said, adding the City can take the theme and begin work on the master site plan with confidence.
Following the presentation, Coun. Tina Petrow said she supports the recommendation for the thematic concept for the new park, adding she feels it offers a nice balance of recreational offerings in the area.
Similarly, Coun. Ron Chapman said it was a great report and the recommended option made the most sense for the municipality.
“I think civics, arts, culture, and sport interface together,” he said during the meeting. “I think there’s all kinds of opportunities available and I love the campground idea.
“It’s something the city doesn’t have. [Airdrie’s] never had a local campground.”
He added Airdronians would likely utilize the proposed natural areas.
“It’s a great idea. I love the concept. I look forward to seeing more of what’s coming forward,” he said.
