Photo courtesy Erika Rolling/EverythingGP

By Jeff Henson

LEWIS-HAWKES ARENA

Renovations to Lewis-Hawkes Arena on verge of wrapping up

Sep 20, 2022 | 11:04 AM

Some much-needed improvements to the 50-year-old Lewis-Hawkes arena at Evergreen Park are in the final stages of being completed.

Park General Manager Dan Gorman says a lot of work has been done to the facility.

“Complete outdoor lighting in the parking lot, which has made things a lot brighter and safer there. New tin both on the outside and the inside of the building. We have got a lounge area now, full sets of new, upgraded bleachers all the way around. Our seating went from around 150 to now we can seat around 1000-1200 people in the arena.”

New washrooms, ventilation systems, a new announcer’s booth, indoor lighting, and a new concession area were also among the renovations done.

The cost of the project was over $1.1 million dollars and was funded through contributions from the province, the County of Grande Prairie, and several sponsors.

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Gorman says the renovations will allow them to host different and larger events in the facility.

“We have had a number of calls from different events, such as barrel racing, gymkhana, roping. And a lot of it has to do with the combination of more spectators, but also the arena is so much more appealing and enjoyable to ride in and be in.”

Lewis-Hawkes arena was first opened in 1972 and then moved to Evergreen Park in 1982.

Gorman says the improvements were much needed.

” That building was built with a lot of love and a lot of volunteers with very little money a lot of years ago. They did just an amazing job of putting that building together. But it was in dire need of upgrades in many areas, and to be brought up to code.”

A “Renovation Celebration” will be held on Friday, September 30th at the facility, which includes a buffet dinner, presentations, and a dance.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children aged 4-10. Children three and under are admitted for free.

Tickets are available through the Evergreen Park website.