One of Edmonton’s rec centres is being recognized internationally for its style and substance. On Monday, the Coronation Park recreation centre in Woodcroft made it on the World’s Most Beautiful Arenas List 2026, a global architecture and design award. “Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre is not just a facility. It is a destination, a community connector,” Mayor Andrew Knack said in a Tuesday media release. “Edmonton is proud to receive this international recognition from the Prix Versailles Selection Committee.” The centre, which includes an aquatic centre and velodrome cycling track, opened in January. Through partnerships with the Alberta Velodrome Association (AVA) and World Triathlon Series Edmonton, it became North America’s first indoor triathlon training facility. The Prix Versailles is a series of international awards for exceptional achievements in architectural and interior design. The other seven most beautiful centres on the Prix Versailles list are in China, France, Italy, Morocco and New Zealand. In July, the facility’s Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre was closed due to “significant flooding damage.” The city’s website does not have a timeline for when it will reopen.
