The site is organized so that the arena at the northern edge serves as a noise buffer against the adjacent highway and provides high visibility for the complex. The water park at the south end is enclosed in wood fencing that provides acoustic separation and blends into the surrounding residential neighborhood. Parking and bike racks are located to the west, offering easy access from the highway and residential neighborhoods.
Upon arrival in the plaza, visitors proceed intuitively into the community center building or through the outdoor point-of-sale kiosk for the water park and associated playground. The arena is organized so non-participants have easy access to a warm south-end viewing gallery or upstairs arena seating. Dressing rooms are located to the north of a public skating lobby. Additional arena features include figure skating and minor hockey association offices, as well as home team amenities for the local junior hockey team.
This project has a highly unique approach to the aquatics programming season — especially for a project in Canada. The water park site is designed with moveable themed fencing to allow for two seasons of operation, and the pool deck is heated to avoid ice buildup. The project is bounded by a bathhouse at the south end that is used during the summer season as a convenient change space for water park users. A rooftop patio adds a unique user gathering space.
Center of Recreational Excellence (CORE)
