BANFF – Banff is seeking public input for the future use of its recreation centre.
A new Town of Banff survey is asking how the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre’s space would best be utilized is available until May 25 for the first phase of the Future of the Fenlands, a project keen on determining which activities and programs "appeal to the widest range of residents and groups" in the mountain town.
The Future of the Fenlands project will see a second community engagement phase later in summer, followed by administration presenting its findings to town council in the fall.
“We’re looking at seasonal uses for the ice facilities, so that’s summer seasonal uses, but we’re going to maintain the winter activities that exist on them,” said Amanda Arbuckle, Banff’s recreation manager.
“Other spaces outside of that are pretty much open for people to provide feedback on what they might like to see there.”
We’ve launched a public consultation to help ensure The Fenlands #Banff Recreation Centre offers activities and programs that will be used by the widest range of residents. The first phase of engagement takes place until May 26: https://t.co/sILMj3Wv8c pic.twitter.com/Jp3pIHx12T
— Banff Town (@Banff_Town) May 3, 2021
The survey, which can be found at banffviewpoints.ca, includes options such as adding more programming and spaces for personal fitness, arts and culture, technology and multi-purpose, food and learning, and sport and seasonal activities.
According to the project, the areas being considered for potential change in use and layout include arena two's ice rink (summer use); and changes/improvements to entrance lobby areas, offices, meeting rooms, washrooms and changing rooms, the mezzanine, and basement storage space.
Areas not included in the project are the Fenlands' parking lot, meadows and its surrounding area.
A new or temporary fieldhouse is being considered, and included in the survey are options to use one of the ice rinks during summer, or funding and building a new fieldhouse in Banff, or somewhere in the Bow Valley.
“Everyone is welcome to participate,” said Arbuckle. “All the different avenues we have open for feedback and we will collect that data and information in the fall as to what we’ve heard people want to see in the facility and that will help guide those decisions for council.”
On May 18, a virtual workshop will be held for participants to give feedback on recreation in Banff and what could be done to the Fenlands.
In the second phase of community engagement, administration will take survey results from phase one and create three or four concept designs. Residents and groups around the Bow Valley will then be asked to give feedback on the concept designs from July 22 to Aug. 8.
The Future of the Fenlands project will tentatively conclude this fall when administration presents its findings and refined concept to Banff council.
