Working steadily from last September until this past week, construction crews have positively transformed the SEAPARC Leisure Centre.
The pool/rink complex is now augmented by new space and infrastructure valued at $1.2 million.
The work was made possible through the Building Canada Stimulus Plan, with SEAPARC going in equally with the provincial and federal governments on the financing.
Larry Hutchings, SEAPARC manager, says public input had made management aware of the desire for enhancements to the recreational facility. The wish list included new, larger dressing rooms for teams and officials. The desire for a second-floor area containing a gym and spectator’s lounge was also identified.
Work went ahead with the idea that the second-storey amenities may become realities at some point in the future when appropriate funding is available.
A large array of refrigeration and mechanical upgrades have been performed as well.
Selected examples of work done:
• a new desiccant-type dehumidifier
• new refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger to reclaim heat rejected by the ice-making system. One of the uses for this recovered heat is in melting snow from the ice resurfacing process
• New main brine pump and pump for arena under-slab heating
• New gas-fired boiler
• Replacement of two 30-year-old oil furnaces with modern water-to-air heat pumps
• Modified ducting to have one new heat pump serve the change rooms and the other serve the viewing room, skate shop and offices
• Modification of the domestic hot water system with direct supply to Zamboni fill plus showers and tempered water supply to the rest of the plumbing system.
Most readily apparent to arena users will definitely be the two spacious new dressing rooms, one fully handicapped accessible. The rooms represent a size increase of about 20 per cent over the larger of the existing rooms, with convenient shelving and extras like two large mirrors and roomy shower facilities in each.
A well laid out officials room is another addition, along with new office, food service/staff room and storage areas.
As mentioned, the figurative door is open to future vertical expansion. The new area of the SEAPARC complex is of sufficient strength to support that second floor if and when it is built.