Edmonton’s newest rec centre opens to the public Tuesday. Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, which houses the Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre with a 50-metre pool, as well as a 333-metre running track and the Alberta Velodrome, will open for the first time at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. It is North America’s first indoor triathlon training centre, according to the City of Edmonton. “This is not just a facility — it is a destination, a community connector and a place where many amazing memories have been made, and will continue to be made, " Mayor Andrew Knack said in a news announcement. “Beyond supporting community wellbeing, this project also serves as vital social infrastructure and a hub for economic development through its diverse services and resources. I look forward to the opening, and I am confident this facility will be beloved by residents, visitors and athletes.” The facility will host a range of drop-in and registered programs in dryland fitness, aquatics, arts, children’s camps, childminding and personal training services, in addition to rental spaces. While cyclists of all skill levels will be able to use the velodrome, admission to the amenity is not included in a city admission or membership. Knack, ward councillor Erin Rutherford and other officials will participate in a grand opening on Friday at 11 a.m. The city is offering a limited number of free admissions for members of the public to participate in the event. Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre, which originally opened in 1970 as Coronation Pool, closed in 2020 due to COVID-19 public health restrictions. The city began rehabilitating it the next year.
