BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) has presented two projects with Facility Excellence Awards. A restoration of a century-old cottage and a new multi-use recreational facility were recognized for outstanding innovation in facility concept, design development, maintenance or operation in a facility.
The Edwardian Cottage at Terra Nova Rural Park in Richmond won for a project with a capital cost of less than $1 million. The Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre (ACUCC) in Langley won for a project over $1 million.
The cottage is an iconic 1920s heritage building that was rehabilitated, restored, and retrofitted with a wheelchair ramp in 2014. It is now the new home of the Terra Nova Nature School for children from preschool to 13 years old. The facility’s design emphasizes conservation, optimizing building performance, continued improvement in energy use, water efficiency, and a high indoor environmental quality.
“The outstanding work at the Edwardian Cottage is just one example of our commitment to creating one community together to celebrate Richmond’s unique and diverse heritage.” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “The building is a heritage asset not only for the City of Richmond, but for the entire country. It reflects the industry and socio-economic realities of the early twentieth century which are significant not just to Richmond, but to all Canadians.”
The ACUCC facility was created with the goal of supporting the inclusion of all genders, ages, and cultures, bringing together four key recreation components into one central location: an arena, community spaces, aquatics waterpark, and a playground.
The establishment of ACUCC in its central downtown location not only allows it to be accessible by multiple forms of transportation (walking, cycling, transit and driving), but it supports the overall revitalization of business activity in the Township’s core.
The design of the ACUCC utilizes reclaimed brick and beams from an old school, showcasing a historical reference within its structure. The facility also includes an important energy conservation focus, with waste heat from the high efficiency refrigeration being utilized through the pool’s water heating system. In addition to the solar thermal system, LED lighting and water harvesting recovery system, the facility also provides electric vehicle charging stations.
