[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you’ve been around Red Deer for awhile, no doubt the G.H Dawe Centre is near and dear to your heart. The last few years, however, have seen the centre busting and the seams- particularly in the fitness area.

Finally, after years of planning, the expanded centre opened to the public on March 19, 2023. The north wing includes a walking/running track, two NHL sized rinks, access to modern fitness equipment and change rooms and beautiful painted murals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The new entrance looking north. Access to elevators and both NHL sized rinks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”51994″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Dawe Centre now has two NHL sized rinks. The new surface is located just north of the original and was used for games & activities on opening day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”51995″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The center includes a full track with lanes for running, walking & strollers. I forsee a lot of laps here in the future. A nice addition for the north/west end.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”51996″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The track circles the new ice surface directly below.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”51997″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It now seems like forever ago when the old fitness area was located all the way on the other side of the building near the pool. Now patrons will have a view of 67th street.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”51998″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Dawe Centre was a great gathering spot when I was a kid in the 90s and 2000s; now my own kids are enjoying it. No doubt, the new expansion will be perfect to serve a new generation and a growing city.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”51999″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]