The expanded portion of the MacDonald Island Park project now has a name.
During Saturday’s State of the Island gala, Shell Albian Sands announced it was entering a $2.5 million partnership with the facility, renaming the expansion as Shell Place.
The facility, already the largest recreational centre in Canada, will include an outdoor performance stadium, a conference centre and several other features.
“Our commitment to the community is very strong and we think this is the way to show it,” said Tom Purves, vice-president of Shell Albian Sands. “A lot of people who work here are trying to make Fort McMurray a very great place to live, an even better place to live and this expansion will be a very big part of that.”
According to Tim Reid, chief operating officer of MacDonald Island Park, advisors within the energy company told Shell’s leadership that the company needed more community representation, and the expanded facility was the perfect way to start.
“The amazing part was they found out that we were going to break ground on the stadium and they approached us,” he said. “The funds from the Shell Place partnership go directly to the MacDonald Island Park operating budget, which speaks to Shell Albian Sands commitment to the betterment of the community.”
Purves says while there is “a lot of discussions going on” regarding future community partnerships, the company will, for now, be focusing on the expansion project.
