Grande Prairie residents have the opportunity to say goodbye to the Leisure Centre. The city is inviting people to send in stories, photos, and memories of the facility to celebrate its impact before its demolition.
Mayor Jackie Clayton says since the building was built in 1976, the building has provided the community with a fun space to connect.
“We look forward to hearing the stories from residents, staff, and community members on the impact this facility made and the legacy it will have in our community for years to come.”
In August of 2021, Grande Prairie city council voted to demolish the facility, including the soccer pitches. At the time, Councillor Dylan Bressey told MyGrandPrairieNow.com that the demolition of the original Grande Prairie Composite High School played a part in the decision.
“It doesn’t make sense to spend millions of dollars preserving half of a building that’s decades old and instead demolish the whole thing so we can start now on that site,” he said.
For more than 30 years, the Leisure Centre hosted numerous events, including local swim meets and tournaments. Until the Eastlink Centre was built in 2011, it was the primary indoor sports facility for the city.
Starting in 2012, the Johnny MacDonald Arena operated as an indoor soccer pitch, and in 2018 the facility was also home to the Alberta Summer Games office.
According to the city, demolition of the facility is scheduled for this summer, in conjunction with the old Composite High School. Those wanting to say goodbye can share their photos and stories here.
