Photo courtesy Diamond Schmitt Architects
The Cor Van Raay YMCA designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects is now open at the ATB Centre in Lethbridge, Alta. This recreational facility seeks to provide the community with a range of services and amenities, including ones previously unavailable in the region.
An architecture of integration allows for connection and transparency throughout the 22,297-m2 (240,000-sf) space. A central lobby unites different activity areas including a six-gym field house, children’s program areas, and the aquatics facility.
“The design intent was to create a community destination, one that is welcoming to all, with a wealth of amenity,” said Jarle Lovlin, principal at Diamond Schmitt Architects.
The Cor Van Raay YMCA is the third largest in North America and public consultation informed the choice of features. These include the aquatics centre with two waterslides, a surf simulator, climbing wall, lane pool, lazy river, tots spray area, whirlpool, and zero-depth entry gentle wave pool.
The fitness area overlooks the aquatics centre in the two-storey structure. There is a multisport field house, gymnasiums, an indoor track, multipurpose rooms, and physiotherapy and restaurant space. Program areas provide views of the prairies and peaks of the Rocky Mountains on the horizon.
