New outdoor multi-use sports court unveiled

By Lethbridge Herald on September 20, 2024.

Mayor Blaine Hyggen deflects a shot from the crease to make a save during a bit of ball hockey fun as part of the new multi-use outdoor court’s grand opening on Thursday at Legacy Park. Herald photo by Justin Seward

Justin Seward – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – sports@lethbridgeherald.com

The City of Lethbridge, along with a local sporting organization, officially unveiled the new outdoor multi-use sports court at Legacy Park on Thursday morning.

The first-of-its-kind space features a concrete surface with painted lines, boards on the sides and ends, screens, benches and a penalty box.

The 185’x85’ rinks-style court can house sports such as street and roller hockey, lacrosse and roller derby.

“The facility enhances recreational and social opportunities for all,” said Mayor Blaine Hyggen.

Hyggen said it’s designed to be inclusive and to promote spontaneous play and pick-up games, while also being available for group practices, games and skill development.

City council heard it from the community that there was not an outdoor sports court.

“I mean we’d love to have two, three, four, five of these,” said Hyggen.

“However, it’s a great start and it’s something that many different recreational groups can use well into the future.”

While it looks like a surface for an outdoor rink in the winter, it will not be used for that as well as skateboard or biking.

“It’s just not conductive to the climate that we’re in,” explained Hyggen, on why not having an outdoor arena aspect.

“So although we would love to have one, it’s difficult.”

The City thought Legacy Park was the best fit because of its space.

“There’s so many other opportunities at this park, (that) it made sense to bring more to this space and offer more opportunities,” said Blair Richter, the city’s manager of parks and cemeteries.

Richter saw cost savings as the main factor to bringing multiple sports into one facility.

“I think it also provides an opportunity to showcase different sports and maybe an opportunity to gain traction for some (of) these activities in the community, and meet some other people and learn some new skills along the way,” said Richter.

Lethbridge Sport Council executive director Susan Eymann liked that the court is bookable and can be used as a free space.

“The ability for kids of any ages to come and play outdoors more is fantastic,” said Eymann.

“This facility’s beautiful, it’s right next to so many other recreation and sport facilities. This side of the park is just a hub.”

The project was a part of the city’s Capital Improvement Plan that spans from 2022-2031.

The court is open for spontaneous play and can be booked for a $25 per hour fee at http://www.leisure.Lethbridge.ca or calling 3-1-1.