SMP Sports Centre patronage increasing

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Wheatland County council received an update on Strathmore Motor Products (SMP) Sports Centre use from Tracy Simpson, Town of Strathmore director of community and protective services, and Mark Pretzlaff, the centre’s recreation manager.
“Our peak times were in February and March, obviously when the weather was at its worst,” said Pretzlaff.
There were 137 patrons and 88 drop-ins that used the facility in March 2019. Facility rentals by community groups comprised 206 hours since opening.
The centre continues to pay attention to user feedback.
“Some of the anecdotal information we had were that the courts were extremely popular. The drop-in basketball, badminton and pickle ball were some of the big usage in the facility,” said Pretzlaff.
Other people asked for open hours before 8 a.m., so people could work out before going to work, a request for weight-lifting equipment, as well as some minor suggestions for operations and fees.
New artificial turf was installed in May, and Pretzlaff expects it will get a lot of usage from baseball, soccer and lacrosse users.
“We anticipate there will be more use of the artificial turf come fall,” said Pretzlaff.
He added they are promoting the facility with community groups and said outreach may help boost bookings in the future.
There are some new additions in the works including lacrosse boards, glass and protective netting, bleachers, four cross court basketball nets in the Magnum Cementing gym and permanent signage.
Future upgrades wish list includes turf in the smaller fields near the school, cardio equipment in the corners of the walking track, batting cage, climbing wall and a golf simulator.
Some additions will be contingent on budget restrictions.
Simpson said people can now obtain a membership online, and soon an all-access pass will be available, so people can use all the recreation facilities in Strathmore with one pass.