The Cor Van Raay YMCA has opened at ATB Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta. The $110 million project is Phase 2 of the ATB Centre and connects with Phase 1 which has two NHL-sized ice surfaces and a 10-sheet curling facility.
Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, the Cor Van Raay YMCA is the third largest in North America and provides the community with a comprehensive range of services and amenities, including some that were previously unavailable in the region.
An architecture of integration allows for connection and transparency throughout the 240,000-sq-ft YMCA. An expansive central lobby unites different activity areas including a six-gym field house, children’s program areas, and the aquatics facility. Construction of Phase 2 began in May 2016. Stuart Olson was general contractor.
“The design intent was to create a community destination, one that is welcoming to all, with a wealth of amenity,” said Jarle Lovlin, principal, Diamond Schmitt.
Public consultation informed the choice of features which include the aquatics centre with two waterslides, a surf simulator, climbing wall, lane pool, lazy river, tots spray area, whirlpool and zero depth entry gentle wave pool.
The fitness area overlooks the aquatics centre in the two-storey structure. There is a multi-sport field house, gymnasiums, an indoor track, multi-purpose rooms and physiotherapy and restaurant space. Children’s amenities include a licensed daycare, child minding, youth room and indoor playground. Program areas provide views of the prairies and peaks of the Rocky Mountains on the horizon.
Diamond Schmitt has two YMCA projects currently under construction, at SmartCentres Place at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, and Waterworks, a mixed-use building in downtown Toronto.
