The number of people coming through the doors of the Penhold Multiplex, opened for just under a year and a half, is growing.
In October 2010 about 8,500 people went through the doors of the multiplex, said facility manager Derek Chricton. This October, the numbers were up to 11,224.
And this fall, a multiplex committee was created and so far, has had two meetings, explained Mayor Dennis Cooper.
“One of the first things we said is we have to design what we are going to be as a multiplex … what do we see, which direction are we going in the future?”
He said the group will work with Chricton to get ideas on how to use the space. “The other (part) is to try and create spirit within the community through the multiplex. We have hockey and skating and all that but we have a gym and a dance floor and a big meeting room.” He said the farmers’ market was moved indoors this fall. It ended for the season over the weekend, but plans are being made to run it again during March and April.
“We’re trying to say, you know, if you come out to the multiplex there’s always something going on and that’s the big thing we’re trying to do,” said Cooper.
Facility manager Chricton agrees. He said he is focused on filling up ice time, gym time and room time.
“I want to fill the space and I’m open to help anyone looking (for it),” he said, explaining in the spring he rented out a room for a class where kids came in to build Lego.
“The class was packed,” he said. He also had a group run German classes for eight weeks.
“… I don’t care what you’re looking for, we’ll find a way to accommodate,” he explained of accommodating almost anyone.
Since the multiplex opened, in July 2010, more rooms have started to book up with tae kwon do, mixed volleyball and soccer groups utilizing the gym and various hockey groups from around the region using the rink.
During the day Chricton said RCMP members, fire departments and seniors’ groups take advantage of the daytime rate to play hockey on the arena. Groups from Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer have travelled to use the ice as well.
He said their location has helped draw a regional crowd, but also the facility itself, has drawn attention.
He said the cost of renting ice, at $109 an hour for youth and $169 for adults during prime time is higher than other nearby communities, but said he wants the facility to be as self-sustainable as possible.
“We’re a new facility. The cost of staff, heating and utilities adds up.”
