Unveiling of our Expansion Project!
The Future of Recreation in Calgary’s Downtown Core – MNP Community & Sport Centre’s Leisure Expansion Aquatic Project
February 2024
MNP Community & Sport Centre, along with its partners, are pleased to announce the unveiling of the next chapter in the Centre’s storied 40-year history: The Leisure Expansion Aquatics Project (LEAP)! This project will add enhanced aquatic amenities to the heart of Calgary, catering to individuals, families, and communities residing in and around the downtown core and Beltline area.
Revitalizing Calgary’s Core with Community-Focused Expansion
LEAP represents a bold step forward in our mission to foster a healthier, more connected community. With a total investment of $87.5 million, made possible by The City of Calgary ($57.5 million), the Province of Alberta ($20 million), and generous Calgary Corporations and individuals like you ($10 million*), this expansion is not just about building facilities—it is about building healthier futures.
*$10 million to be raised through a fund development campaign
What’s Included?
Our west expansion is designed with fun and community in mind, featuring:
- A state-of-the-art lazy river and hot tub
- Water slides with a wading pool and play structure
- A dedicated viewing area for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the fun
Our south expansion will redefine the Centre’s main entrance, creating an inviting welcome space that leads into a vibrant community hub, complete with:
- Enhanced gathering spaces for social interaction and community building
- An array of food & beverage outlets
- Universal locker rooms, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone
To round out the project, we are excited to announce upgrades to our existing facilities, including various enhancements to the existing locker rooms, bleacher seating, the competition pool, dive tank and teach pool, further elevating the overall experience for all.
Construction with Community in Mind
Slated to commence in mid-2024, the project’s construction duration is expected to span 30 months. Our dedicated project delivery team, including The City of Calgary, M3 Development Management, GEC Architecture, Bird Construction, and a robust network of subconsultants and subtrades, is committed to maintaining operational excellence throughout the phased construction.
While a period of construction can bring minor changes to operations, our goal is to maintain current programs and services throughout the project. Rest assured, we will keep you informed on what to expect at the various stages of construction, which includes frequent newsletters, social media posts and access to a section on our website dedicated to the latest news on the project.
Thank you for your support and commitment to the journey with us as we LEAP towards a stronger, healthier future!
– The MNP Community & Sport Centre Team
MNP Community & Sport Centre has launched a campaign of $87,500,000 to fund this incredible expansion project. Having already secured $77,500,000 to embark upon this transformational project, we are seeking to raise $10,000,000 from individual donors and corporate sponsors.
Opportunities to make an individual philanthropic contribution to the project are available by clicking one of the two Donate buttons below, which will direct you to Parks Foundation Calgary, who is administering the campaign portal on our behalf.
Members can LEAP into action by donating today! Whatever the amount, your investment will allow the project to be realized in full. To show our appreciation, donor names will be prominently displayed on a future recognition wall.
SOUTH ENTRANCE CLOSURE:
Our South Entrance is now closed and will be for about 2.5 years during construction. All patrons are to enter and exit through the North Entrance.
CONTACT US
For further information, inquiries about fundraising opportunities, or questions about the project, please reach out at Leap@mnpcentre.com
FAQ's
Q: Will there be extra pool space built?
A: Along with new leisure facilities, including a lazy river, hot tub, and wading pool with play structure, our new leisure space will also feature a 25m multi-use pool. Renovations to existing pool infrastructure are slated to take place in 2025.
Q: Is the Dive Tank being updated as well?
A: Currently there are plans to update the Dive Tank as part of renovations to the existing infrastructure in 2025.
Q: Will the construction impact Children’s Programs such as Sport Camps & Swim Lessons?
A: We will be working very closely with our partners throughout the construction process to ensure that Children’s Programs such as Sport Camps & Swim Lessons are not disrupted throughout the expansion and construction. We are not anticipating disruptions in the 2024 season and will keep everyone updated in case of changes. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletters and social media channels for the most up to date information.
Q: Will there be an update/expansion of the Steam Room?
A: Renovations to the Steam Room are currently being assessed. We will keep you updated you as more information becomes available.
Q: Will there be an update/expansion of the Cold Tub?
A:Renovations to the Cold Tub are currently being assessed. We will keep you updated you as more information becomes available.
Q: Will there be changes to the parking lot?
A: We know parking is a concern to our Members. We are currently assessing different options to ensure a better parking experience for our Members and guests. We will keep you updated on our website, via email and social media as changes occur.
Q: What will the state of the change rooms be? What is a universal change room?
A: We are proud to announce a variety of options for our change rooms that will increase the experience for all guests at our Centre. These include both Universal change rooms and traditional change rooms.
The Universal change rooms will be built with comfort, safety, and inclusivity in mind. This option will allow for increased privacy, greater accessibility, and more space for those who might need assistance. It will also allow for more frequent custodial access resulting in a cleaner and safer space. This space will include a shared gender-neutral locker area, private changing cubicles, private washrooms, and private shower stalls.
The Executive Change rooms will also undergo renovations.
Q: Will there be a disruption to the neighbourhood?
A: Almost all construction traffic will be routed through the main parking lot entrance of MNP Community & Sport Centre and alongside the building, not through the community.
On a few rare occasions, we except a short-term increase in truck traffic. For example, from September 16– 20 for back filling purposes. Rest assured; we do not expect activity like this will create a disturbance to our neighbouring communities.
Of note, at some point you might see an Enmax or Iconic truck parked on 22nd Ave SW adjacent to the Centre, as these companies will require access to a connection. We expect this one-off work to be completed by the end of September 2024.
