A $500,000 commitment from the RM of Corman Park was a key factor in making the $44.5 million Martensville multipurpose recreational facility become a reality.
Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) Lace ‘Em Up fundraising campaign co-chair Ahlana Ehalt said the rural municipality council’s decision to become a partner in the campaign in February, 2020, was a “turning point” for the entire project.
“The RM was one of the campaign’s first donors,” said Ehalt. “Corman Park council understood the vision of this new centre. They believed in the MCRP early on and stepped up with an incredible gift to encourage the growth of recreation in our region. We are truly grateful.”
Corman Park Reeve Judy Harwood said the donation was allocated from the RM’s municipal reserve fund in recognition of the fact that many residents of the RM will utilize the facility once it is opened in the fall of 2024.
“Corman Park recognizes the importance of regional cooperation and partnership in projects like this,” she said. “It was a unanimous vote of council to support construction of this facility.”
“The new centre is an exciting project that will bring much-needed ice time and field time to the region,” said Corman Park councillor Bas Froese-Kooijenga. “Sports like indoor soccer will flourish and all athletes will have the opportunity to play.”
Martensville Mayor Kent Muench said the RM’s involvement convinced the federal and provincial governments to provide infrastructure grant funding for the project.
“The RM’s support for the new centre reflects the long-term regional cooperation between our communities,” said Martensville Minor Hockey Association President Trevor Hanley, noting the minor hockey association and minor football association have welcomed players who reside in the RM for many years.
The lobby connecting the ice arena and indoor soccer facility will be named the Corman Park Lobby in recognition of the RM’s donation.