A $23 million project designed to breathe new life into an aging recreation facility in the city of Dartmouth, N.S. is being undertaken by the Halifax Regional Municipality.
The facility, owned by the regional municipality and operated by the Dartmouth Sportsplex Community Association (DSCA), delivers municipal recreation and sports programming for residents.
But community needs have changed dramatically since the building first opened its doors in 1982.
"The 156,641-square-foot facility is now outdated," said Greg MacKay, project manager with the regional municipality. "It does not meet contemporary user needs. The facility requires significant upgrades in multiple systems and in program delivery areas."
The project is being undertaken by a team that includes Toronto-based Diamond Schmitt Architects in association with Halifax-based Abbott Brown Architects. Engineering consultants are CBCL Ltd. of Halifax.
MacKay said the project is currently in the design development phase. Tenders are expected to be called this fall. A general contractor will be retained shortly after.
Construction is expected to get underway this fall and be completed by fall 2018, MacKay said.
The project includes the renovation of existing spaces and the creation of new spaces.
It is being designed to extend the facility’s life and meet user expectations.
Included are a new gymnasium, renovated locker/change rooms, a new entrance and lobby space, new fitness and cardio rooms overlooking Wyse Road and repainting and replacing the existing metal roofing.
"The role of a community sports facility has evolved to become a much more inclusive place," said Jarle Lovlin, a principal at Diamond Schmitt.
"The scope here is to update the existing facilities and create a more open and welcoming sportsplex with a new entry, larger fitness and cardio area and add a new double gymnasium."
Steps will also be taken to make the facility more energy-efficient and accessible with better wayfinding and improved circulation.
"Renovation of an existing building is always challenging," MacKay said. "In this instance, working with the existing layout has proved challenging."
Implementation of the renewal project comes in the wake of a report tabled by municipal staff in April 2014.
Halifax regional council subsequently approved the project and allocated funding for detailed design.
The architects were retained following a report submitted to regional council late last October. Program components were developed by staff at the regional municipality after extensive program analysis, community consultation, and discussion with the DSCA and its key stakeholders, residents and facility users. The facility was the first of its type to be constructed in the regional municipality. It was originally built to primarily offer residents an ice surface and swimming pool.
Subsequent renovations added additional programs but made the facility difficult to navigate.
"This project is about giving all these functions proper places, making the whole facility open and bright and a positive, uplifting place to be for people of all ages," said Abbott Brown partner Alec Brown.
The sportsplex is located at 110 Wyse Road on the Dartmouth Common.
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