Shift Community Rec Centre opening marks kickoff to Southern Alberta Summer Games in Coaldale

“This has been a long time coming. I was in my first term on council when council, at the time, we voted to put $1 million away for a future recreation facility. Now, we fast forward almost eight years and here we are today with the opening of the new centre,” says Van Rijn.

The facility, with 55,000 square feet of programmable space, features amenities such as:

Dry sports:
- Pickleball, indoor soccer, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, badminton, squash
Exercise:
- Walking and running track, fitness centre with weightlifting and cardio, washrooms and locker rooms
Childcare and play space:
- Daycare centre, indoor play structure, outdoor play area
Events and breakout space:
- Banquets, trade shows, special events, meetings, training sessions, parties and group gatherings

Van Rijn adds, “The Town of Coaldale is definitely growing, not only with the Shift Community Rec Centre, it’s attached to the new Prairie Winds Secondary School that was built at the same time as the community centre. Between the Rec Centre and the school, that’s over a $70 million project.”

July 3 also marks the beginning of the Southern Alberta Summer Games, being held this year in Coaldale.

It features 20 different events across a range of sports, as well as things like photography, cribbage, and esports.

Van Rijn says more than 1,800 competitors are in Coaldale for the competition, as well as coaches and family members. He believes this will have a great economic impact on the area.

The Summer Games go until Saturday, July 6, 2024.

Use these links to learn more about the Shift Community Rec Centre and the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

The new Shift Community Recreation Centre in Coaldale. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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by David Opinko / Christian Oldale

Shift Community Rec Centre opening marks kickoff to Southern Alberta Summer Games in Coaldale

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