City of Red Deer
Tour the newly renovated Westerner Park Centrium
![](https://www.todayville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/tvrd-tvrd-westerner-park-centrium-image-2020-11-17.jpg)
From the City of Red Deer and Westerner Park
Preview of renovations almost complete ahead of Team Canada training at Westerner Park Centrium
In 2019, Red Deer City Council approved a $3 million capital request from Westerner Park’s Exhibition Association, which operates the Centrium, as part of its 2020 capital budget to help with renovations needed at the facility.
The City of Red Deer approved $3 million toward a revitalization project that would improve the 1991- era arena’s dressing rooms, concourse and seating.
At the time of budget approval, Tara Lodewyk, General Manager of Planning and Protective Services said “Westerner Park is a huge economic driver in the region. We want it to keep attracting more events, as Red Deer businesses and citizens’ benefit whenever the Centrium brings in various sport, business and cultural attractions.”
Renovations, which are nearing completion, include updating dressing rooms, adding additional railing to the outer edge of the concourse, new modernized LED score clock and signage, and one of the biggest projects, replacing the 30-year-old spectator seats to meet modern facility standards. Westerner Park officials had aimed to complete renovations before hockey players started arriving for the World Junior Championship that were set to run Dec. 26, 2020, to Jan. 5, 2021, which has since been deferred to 2021/2022. Construction during the pandemic occurred more efficiently due to no events being held in the facility, while renovations also provided local economic stimulus by employing local trades.
On September 17, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced that all games for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship will be played in Edmonton, instead of Red Deer, due to COVID- 19 restrictions, without fans in attendance, but will return to Edmonton and Red Deer in 2021.
However, Red Deer is hosting Canada’s best under 20 hockey players ahead of the 2021 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. Forty-seven players will attend a training camp at the Centrium at Westerner Park from November 16 until December 13. The selection camp will include practices and three intrasquad games, as well as six games against a team of sports all-stars, before the team enters the bubble in Edmonton. The Red Deer camp will take place in a cohort bubble and will be closed to the public and the media.
“Not being able to host World Juniors this year was a significant disappointment for many Red Deerians who were anticipating welcoming the international hockey community back to our city,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “I know Red Deer will be ready to welcome the world to our community in 2021/2022, and will actively continue our preparations for this incredible opportunity for our city. This year, we are glad to be able to participate in preparation for the World Juniors by hosting a selection camp bubble at the Centrium.”
“The renovations and upgrades will enhance guest experience at Westerner Park and ensure the comfort and safety for everyone that attends events in the Centrium,” said Mike Olesen, Westerner Park CEO. “The upgrades will also create more interest from national and international events to consider Red Deer and Westerner Park for upcoming events.”
“We’re incredibly excited for hockey fans to experience the bold changes taking place inside our home, the Centrium,” said Merrick Sutter, Sr. Vice President, Red Deer Rebels. “The much needed upgrades provide a fresh, clean look for all guests and events, and further cements the facility as a premiere destination for major events and junior hockey.”
City of Red Deer
Pop-up Spray Park Thursday at Ecole Oriole Park School (5 Oldbury St)
![](https://www.todayville.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tvrd-red-deer-pop-up-spray-park-image-2024-07-10.jpg)
Join Red Deer Emergency Services, RCMP and Municipal Enforcement and keep cool every Thursday in July and August.
Beat the Heat pop-up spray parks are once again returning to a neighbourhood near you this summer!
Red Deerians are invited to join Red Deer Emergency Services as they use fire engines to create temporary spray parks every Thursday evening throughout July and August.
Pop-up spray parks will run from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in the following locations for summer 2024:
- July 11 – Ecole Oriole Park School (5 Oldbury St)
- July 18 – Fairview School Park (5901 55 St)
- July 25 – Dawson Park (140 Davison Dr)
- August 1 – St. Elizabeth Seton School Park (35 Addinell Ave)
- August 8 – Kentwood Disc Golf Park (168 Kendrew Dr)
- August 15 – Joseph Welsh School Park (4401 37 Ave)
- August 22 – Father Henri Voisin School Park (60 Clearview Dr)
Municipal Policing Services and Red Deer RCMP will also be joining to offer police vehicle tours, and local partners from Red Deer Child Care Society, Red Deer Food Bank, Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre and community associations will be providing fun kid activities and treats.
Events are weather dependent and will not go ahead if weather warnings are in place. Please make sure to check The City’s social media pages each Thursday for updates.
For more information, visit reddeer.ca/popupsprayparks.
City of Red Deer
“Meet Me At The Park” Free drop in programing for kids at Kentwood’s St. Lorenzo School this week
![](https://www.todayville.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tvrd-red-deer-meet-me-at-the-park-image-2024-07-02.jpg)
Looking for fun this summer? Want to get outside and enjoy our beautiful neighbourhood parks and green spaces? Join us for Meet Me at the Park – a free drop-in program for all ages!
Meet Me at the Park aims to bring our community together by offering informal and unstructured recreational opportunities that support physical activity, creativity, and social connection.
Each park location has amenities to compliment the program and when possible, a gathering space such as an Activity Centre may be available to provide washroom access. Please note that parents are responsible for their children at all times and must be available in case of an emergency. Children under six years are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian.
Activities may include the following:
- Soccer/basketball/tennis/pickleball/badminton/baseball
- Circuit courses, obstacle course
- Block party & yard games
- Arts and crafts
- Gardening and nature fun
The program runs Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday’s from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
2024 Schedule
Date | Location | Address |
---|---|---|
July 8-12 | St Lorenzo School | 150 Kingston Drive |
July 15-19 | Don Campbell | 99 Irving Crescent |
July 22-26 | Clearview Meadows | 93 Cornett Drive |
July 29 – Aug 2 | Mountview Sunnybrook | 4316 32 Street |
Aug 6-9 | Normandeau | 49 Noble Avenue |
Aug 12-16 | Morrisroe East | 35 McLean Street |
Aug 19-23 | Oriole Park | 5 Ogden Avenue |
Aug 26-30 | West Park | 3811 57 Avenue |
Activities offered will vary from site to site based on the amenities available and will include a variety of options for unstructured creative play. Activities may change based on community interests and should provide options for all ages and abilities.
The following may be offered:
- Circuit courses, obstacle course
- Soccer/basketball/tennis/pickleball/badminton/baseball
- Arts and crafts
- Gardening and nature focused
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