Killam Recreation Board
780-385-3080
For many, the word “recreation” might conjure images of a swimming pool, an arena, or a fitness centre. But in Killam, thanks to the dedication of the Killam Recreation Board, it means so much more.
Recreation here is the walking trails winding through town. It’s the ball diamonds echoing with laughter on summer evenings. It’s the seniors gathering over coffee at the Drop-In Centre or neighbours connecting uptown at the local café. It’s community, in every sense of the word.
“Sometimes we forget that visiting with a friend, enjoying the sunshine in a park, or coming out to the senior centre; that’s recreation too,” says Chris Kinzer, who helps oversee the day-to-day operations on behalf of the Killam Recreation Board. “We move, we engage, and we connect – that’s all part of it.”
The Heart of Recreation: The Killam Agriplex
At the centre of it all is the Killam Agriplex, a multi-use facility that’s home to everything from a 24-hour gym and indoor playground to a year-round pool and arena. While the Agriplex is a vital hub for activity, the Board’s reach extends well beyond the walls of the building – encompassing the town’s playgrounds, trails, disc golf course, and outdoor spaces.
Inside the Agriplex, you’ll find a vibrant mix of programs for every age and stage. The pool is home to the Killam Cyclones swim club and offers public swims, private and group lessons, a junior lifeguard program, and rentals for birthday parties or events. There’s also a multi-purpose room available for hourly or daily rentals, used frequently by community groups like 4-H.
The arena side of the facility hosts the Killam Wheat Kings Junior B team, Battle River minor hockey, and out-of-town teams who appreciate the high-quality facility and small-town hospitality.
Some families even spend their summers in Killam so their children can access swimming lessons they can’t get in larger centres. With high demand for private lessons and flexible scheduling, the pool continues to draw families from beyond the Flagstaff Region.
Summer Fun and Year-Round Engagement
One of the Board’s most popular offerings is the Summer Fun program, which runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for children ages 4 to 12. The full-day programming includes swimming, crafts, safety presentations, field trips, and more – with coordinated support to ensure kids can seamlessly move between swim lessons and day camp activities.
“The program is full every year,” says Kinzer. “We’ve got treasure hunts, trips to the fire department, RCMP bike safety, and so much more packed into three days a week.”
Throughout the year, community participation continues to grow. From fitness swims and aquacise classes to events and drop-in activities, usage numbers at the Agriplex increase annually – a sign that local families value what the Board has built.
Aqua Sizes and Connection
One standout program is Aqua Sizes, which regularly sees up to 40 women attending morning classes. But the group’s impact goes well beyond exercise.
When the pandemic halted in-person gatherings, the aqua sizes group adapted, organizing Zoom coffee visits twice a week to stay connected. For many, including Kinzer, those virtual meetups were a mental health lifeline.
“They saved my mental health,” she shares. “It wasn’t just about staying active; it was about feeling connected during a time of isolation.”
Today, the aqua sizes group is thriving, welcoming newcomers from Forestburg and surrounding communities who come for exercise and stay for the friendships.
Powered by Partnerships
Killam’s recreation success is due in large part to strong community partnerships. The Killam Recreation Board works closely with the Killam Agricultural Society, which plays a key role in facility management and grant applications, and with the Town of Killam, which maintains the parks, ball diamonds, and trails.
Whether it’s replacing the Agriplex roof after a hailstorm or funding a major lobby renovation, it’s a collaborative effort that ensures long-term sustainability.
“When we fundraised for the Gordie Enghoj Memorial event, we hoped to raise $70,000 to $75,000 – and the community came through with $106,000,” says Kinzer. “It shows the level of pride and support people have for this place.”
Built for Everyone
Accessibility is a top priority at the Agriplex. The pool is fully walk-in with handrails all the way around, and family change rooms offer quiet, inclusive options. A specially designed aquatic wheelchair allows individuals with mobility challenges to roll directly into the pool.
That commitment to inclusion extends to children with sensory needs and others who may benefit from personalized programming. As Kinzer notes, the advantage of small-town recreation is adaptability.
“If you’ve got an idea or a need, we’ll do our best to make it work,” she says.
Looking to the Future
With over four decades in the community, Kinzer has seen the lasting impact of recreation – from her own children’s involvement in sports to the friendships built in bleachers and on benches.
The Killam Recreation Board is committed to keeping the Agriplex and surrounding amenities in excellent condition, not just for today’s users but for future generations. A recent feasibility study found that thanks to diligent maintenance the arena’s structural elements, including its rafters, remain in excellent condition.
Planned upgrades include a new filtration system for the pool, updates to the original furnaces, and a new ice plant for the arena. The lobby renovation is slated for spring 2026, with community-led fundraising again playing a vital role.
An Open Invitation
Whether you’re new to town or just passing through, the invitation stands: come see what Killam Recreation has to offer.
“Stop in. Ask questions. Share your ideas,” encourages Kinzer. “Come for a swim, play a round of disc golf, or just walk the trail. We’re proud to offer a welcoming space for everyone.”
From the Agriplex to the ball diamonds, from aquacise classes to summer day camps – recreation in Killam, guided by the Recreation Board, continues to build a stronger, more connected community.
