Project Overview
Client: City of Grande Prairie
Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Completion Date: 2020
Project Type: Public Recreation Facility
Scope of Work: Design-Build, Pre-Engineered Steel Building (Behlen Industries)
Project Overview
The Grande Prairie Activity & Reception Centre is a state-of-the-art, multi-functional facility designed to meet the diverse recreational and social needs of the growing community of Grande Prairie. As the design-build contractor, Atkinson Construction delivered a flexible and sustainable structure using a pre-engineered steel building system from Behlen Industries. This innovative approach allowed for faster construction timelines, cost-efficiency, and high durability, making it ideal for public use.
The facility features large indoor activity spaces for sports and fitness, versatile meeting rooms, and a fully equipped reception hall for community events. Additionally, the center was designed with outdoor amenities, including landscaped green spaces, walking paths, and sports fields, providing a comprehensive recreational experience for residents of all ages. In addition to its recreational purpose, the Centre serves as an emergency reception facility, offering critical space and resources during public emergencies.
Key Features
Flexible Activity Spaces
The indoor areas are designed for versatility, accommodating a wide range of recreational and athletic activities. With high-performance flooring and state-of-the-art equipment, the spaces can host everything from fitness classes and sports leagues to community gatherings and festivals. The layout allows for easy reconfiguration, ensuring that the facility can adapt to the changing needs of the community.
Reception and Event Hall
The reception hall is a highly adaptable space ideal for community meetings, conferences, and special events. Equipped with modern audiovisual systems, a stage, and catering facilities, the hall offers an inviting atmosphere for both small gatherings and large-scale events. The design also allows for seamless transitions between events, maximizing the space's utility.
Pre-Engineered Steel Structure
Utilizing a pre-engineered steel building from Behlen Industries, the facility offers exceptional durability and flexibility. The steel frame not only accelerates construction but also enhances energy efficiency and reduces long-term maintenance costs. This makes the building more environmentally friendly and cost-effective over its lifespan.
Outdoor Amenities
Complementing the indoor spaces, the project includes thoughtfully designed outdoor areas with walking paths, landscaped green spaces, and multi-purpose sports fields. These amenities encourage outdoor activity and community engagement, promoting healthy living and social interaction.
Emergency Reception Centre
Designed with community safety in mind, the facility also functions as an emergency reception center. In the event of a local disaster or public emergency, the building is equipped to house and support displaced residents, providing essential shelter and resources in a secure environment.
Challenges and Solutions
Community Input
A central challenge of this project was ensuring the facility met the diverse needs of the Grande Prairie community. Atkinson Construction engaged in open forums and consultations with local residents, city officials, and community leaders throughout the design phase. This collaborative process allowed us to gather valuable input and incorporate feedback into the final design, ensuring the facility serves as a true reflection of the community’s vision.
Challenges and Solutions
Multi-Purpose Design
The multi-use nature of the facility required creative design solutions to ensure that spaces could be easily adapted for various purposes. We worked closely with architects and engineers to develop flexible, modular spaces that can accommodate everything from sports leagues and fitness classes to weddings, conferences, and emergency services. These adaptive designs ensure the facility is fully equipped to handle a variety of activities with minimal reconfiguration.
Impact
The Grande Prairie Activity & Reception Centre has quickly become a vital community hub, offering residents a wide range of recreational, social, and cultural opportunities. The facility’s multi-functional design allows it to serve as a gathering place for fitness enthusiasts, sports teams, families, and community groups alike. Its role as an emergency reception center further enhances its value, providing the community with a critical resource during times of need.
By combining modern design, sustainability, and functionality, the Grande Prairie Activity & Reception Centre is poised to meet the evolving needs of the community for years to come. Whether hosting a local sports league, a large public event, or supporting the community during emergencies, this facility has become a cornerstone of Grande Prairie's public infrastructure.
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