Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre

Edmonton, Alta.
Construction Cost: $140 million (Canadian)
Area / Square Feet: 185,139
Occupancy Date: January 2011

This signature recreation facility for the residents of South Edmonton is the first of several identified in the Edmonton recreation master plan. The facility is designed around a dynamic central gathering space surrounded by community activity areas. The naturally lit central lobby has views into each activity area, creating the active, social heart of the center. Here visitors can meet, walk, watch activities, enjoy coffee or just relax.

The Terwillegar Centre serves citizens of all ages and abilities, provides multigenerational programs and ensures universal accessibility. Key activity spaces include a four-sheet ice arena and flex hall that can be divided into three separate ball courts or opened to create one large space equivalent in size to an indoor soccer field. The second-floor indoor track and fitness center accommodate walking and jogging, cardio and weight training, and youth fitness. Multipurpose rooms are located throughout the building for group meetings, parties, classes and scheduled activities.

The building architecture is inspired by Edmonton's beautiful river valley, ravines and the North Saskatchewan River, as are the chosen colors of copper, green and blue. The collision of the building forms is reminiscent of ice on the frozen river in the winter months, culminating in the central glass atrium that offers spectacular views of the city to the northeast. The combination of metal cladding with clear and colored glass creates a facility that is beautiful, dynamic and functional both day and night.