Remembering the past... building the future. |
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Some 60 years ago, after the end of the second world war and armed with a dream, the Town of 
Russell partnered with the local
branch
of
the
Royal
Canadian
Legion
to
invest
in
the
future
of
the
area
by
building
the
Russell
Memorial
Arena.
Over
the
years,
this
arena
has
launched
thousands
of
dreams,
some
very
public
and
noteworthy
and
others
still
private,
but
nonetheless,
all
cherished.
From
kid's
hockey
games,
figure
skating
carnivals,
ballet
and
belly dance
classes,
art
workshops
to
walking
and
weight
training,
recreation
activities
bring
people
together
every day in many
ways. But while multiplex facilities are great places for kids and families to get fit
and
for
our
seniors
to
stay
active
and
engaged,
there
is
so
much
more
going
on
than
friendly
competition
and
cheering
from
the
sidelines; there
is
community
building. 
The Russell Regional Multiplex, like the Russell Memorial Arena, situated on Russell's Main Street, will continue to be the focal point of the community where people gather to talk to their neighbors, discuss issues close to their hearts and forge those life-long bonds that make Russell the distinctive and caring community it is.
The expansion and renovation of the current arena began in 2005, led by the Russell Memorial Arena Board acknowledging the need to replace worn-out components that are expensive to operate, within a facility that has limited use. The evolution of the project has included community-wide surveys, focus groups, facilitated community consultations, energy and facility audits, as well as a thorough investigation of the recreational needs in the region culminating in the production of a Recreation Master Plan for Russell and area. All research in addition to input provided by provincial consultants, local stakeholders and community leaders has led to the same consensus: that we need to create a "multipurpose" all season facility which includes an expanded ice playing surface with increased spectator seating appropriate for both ice and non‐ice related events such as concerts, trade shows, agricultural exhibits and conventions. Additionally we must provide barrier free access for all community members with consideration being given to financial, physical and psychological barriers.
The concept of "multiplex" design means the facilities will be flexible for a wide variety of year-round uses recreation and sports; concerts and entertainment including the option to host events, movie nights, trade shows and conventions, community gatherings and multiple fitness related activities for all age groups.