NEWS
Rendering: hcma architecture
MIX HIGH-PERFORMANCE SPORT WITH COMMUNITY RECREATION
CORONATION PARK SPORTS AND RECREATION CENTRE IN EDMONTON, CANADA With plans for completion in 2026, the new facility integrates a wide variety of recreation interests and skill levels. A fitness centre, gymnasia courts, walking / jogging track and community spaces operate alongside a world-class velodrome, while complementing the existing fitness and leisure centre. This project is an architectural partnership between hcma and dub architects, in association with FaulknerBrowns Architects. hcma and Resource Planning Group developed the comprehensive functional program for the centre, prior to design. The building becomes a focal point, a destination and a wayfinding tool for people navigating the park, generating a series of pedestrian and cycle loops that tie into and make sense of the existing trail system. In this way, the building is an active participant in the heritage landscape – providing activity, oversight and visual connections to an under-utilized part of the park. Recreation for all levels The aim is to create an innovative blend of high-performance cycling and triathlon sports alongside forward-thinking community recreation – blurring the lines between competitive and recreational sport for people of all ages and abilities. It intends to be a public place where you can participate in a triathlon on a winter day next to casual users of the fitness and play spaces. Velodromes are highly technical, featuring steeply banked oval tracks with teams of cyclists racing at speeds up to 85 km/h. In contrast, community centres include both formal and informal programming for users of all ages and abilities, while emphasizing social connection points 12
throughout. The design needed to carefully consider the needs of all users while ensuring that the velodrome and community spaces were not isolated from each other. Putting sport at the social heart To ensure a high level of connectivity between community recreational facilities at the ground level, the cycle track was raised a full storey above the ground level floor. Direct views from the building entrance lead through a common public plaza and urban basketball court, with a physical and visual connection to the surrounding parkland beyond. This unique design feature also distinguishes the facility from the majority of indoor cycling facilities in the world. By placing the cycle track on the upper level, the traditionally isolated sport will now be fully visible from the ground floor “social heart” of the building, helping it to engage fully with the broader community. www.hcma.ca www.dubarchitects.ca www.faulknerbrowns.com sb 2/2022
