The Lacombe Athletic Park Association (LAPA) will celebrate the completion of the first phase of its expansion project with a public grand opening on May 7.
“This facility will help the athletes of Lacombe compete and train at the highest levels. Council commends LAPA for their commitment to developing a facility where young athletes can follow their passions to the fullest extent,” said Grant Creasey, mayor of Lacombe.
A contribution of $2 million from MEGlobal Canada ULC made the project possible. The expansion included a doubling of the size of the field house. Additional washrooms, change rooms, storage, meeting rooms, and an elevator were all added to the field house. At track level, timing facilities for the running track and a fully accessible viewing tower with space for media and coaches were added.
“With the added dressing room space, washrooms, building accessibility and viewing tower, we feel we will be able to bring in larger, more diverse sporting events to Lacombe and area,” said Jay Adamson, LAPA president.
”When this facility officially opened in 2012, many recognized it as the result of a community vision made into reality by the collaboration between volunteers, local businesses, and a significant industry partner, MEGlobal,” said Lacombe County Reeve Barb Shepherd. “The evolution of MEGlobal Athletic Park, as it expands to offer more for user groups, will positively impact our communities, our athletes, and our economy for years to come.”
“It has been a pleasure to watch the LAPA team continue to expand this facility which will foster the development of Lacombe athletes for years to come,” added Lacombe Community Services Director Guy Lapointe.
Work on the first phase of the MEGlobal Athletic Park expansion began in September 2020. The second phase of expansion will be running track and field infrastructure. Adamson noted that MEGlobal will retain naming rights to the park until 2040.
“We are so proud to be part of a project that will bring new opportunities to the community while enhancing the experience for players and fans alike,” said MEGlobal Vice President of Manufacturing Rocco Schurink. “It’s an honour to put our name on this facility.”
LAPA will be recognizing sponsors and local officials during the grand opening on May 7 at the MEGlobal Athletic Park and Fieldhouse.
The will be a ribbon-cutting, tours of the facility and the Central Alberta Buccaneers taking on the Airdrie Irish. Tickets are $10 per person, and children under 12 are free. MEGlobal will be giving away towels to the first 500 people through the gate.