New rec space opening at the AG Grounds

Old school recreation is heading to the Strathmore AG grounds this summer.

Ryan Schmidt GM with the Strathmore AG Society is hoping the horseshoe pits will be ready to go ASAP.

“We're hoping to open the new horseshoe pits in Strathmore for June 1st. They'll be located at the Strathmore AG Grounds, just north of the existing quad baseball diamonds.”

Schmidt explained that there will be 8 courts in a secured area to protect the pits and a shed for storage of equipment and that will allow access to the baseball concession and the baseball washrooms.

The opportunity to add this recreation area to what the AG grounds can offer the community was a team effort explained Schmidt.

“We've got funding of approximately $20,000, we worked closely with a gentleman from Strathmore who I want to recognize, Wes Walker.  He has pushed very hard for some horseshoe pits to be built in the community, especially for seniors and he's been involved with the design of the pits, the grant application, and the AG Society would not have been successful without him.”

The hope Schmidt noted is to have times set aside for different leagues and groups to use the facility, outside of that people would need to book times to use the pits, similar to the ball diamonds.

We've all pulled the horseshoes out camping now residents will have the chance to play close to home! 

“The horseshoe pits will be bookable so you'll have to call the office to make your bookings, but we do anticipate having regular nights for seniors, for example, also for kids and we know that the Alberta Horseshoe Pitchers Association is also looking to establish a league here in Strathmore.”

There will be equipment on hand in a secured shed for those who do book the space to be able to use and Schmidt did clarify that similar to booking other facilities on the AG grounds the renters would be liable for any damages should any occur, however, Schmidt has said that has been an extremely rare case at the AG grounds as everyone who rents their facilities has always been very respectful of the space.

As for costs to rent the horseshoe pits, Schmidt said that they would charge what they would need to cover maintenance and other day-to-day costs with the goal to keep those fees very minimal.

“We'd have a small fee and it would just go to the upkeep of the facilities, but it would be extremely reasonable and family-friendly. We want this to be a service that we're providing to the Community, and so it'll be very reasonable.”

Schmidt and the team at the AG Society are looking ahead to a very busy summer with the Stampede back in full swing and live concerts being held and a few favourites coming back to keep up with everything going on visit strathmoreag.com.

The overhead view shows in the blue square where the horseshoe pits will be located.