Expansion at MNP Sport Centre now slated for spring 2024 start

Construction of new leisure water facilities at the MNP Community and Sport Centre is now slated to begin in spring 2024.

The project has been in the works for several years. The city's website indicates the expansion was expected to start in 2023.

The City of Calgary and the provincial government have pledged funding for the $85 million project.

The CEO of the MNP Centre, Jeff Booke, said water slides, a lazy river water feature, whirlpools and other amenities will be housed in an addition on the west side of the building.

There will also be a new entryway added on the centre's southern side.

For water activities, he said it will move the MNP Centre beyond its current flatwater facilities, which are used primarily for training and competitions.

"This gives us a chance to add amenities that this centre has never been able to offer and deliver," said Booke.

"It'll allow us to broaden who we serve, how we serve them, with a particular focus on the public side of our dual mandate."

Further fundraising by the Lindsay Park Sports Society (LPSS) is still underway.

Booke said the City of Calgary has contributed $45 million for the project. The federal government has committed $20 million while the LPSS has $5 million ready to go.

Preparations have been going on over the past year for the start of construction.

Booke said they have an architect in place as well as a project manager and a construction manager.

The updated plan calls for a groundbreaking in spring 2024.

There's a demand for the city to offer more leisure aquatic facilities in central Calgary.