Best Fitness Centre/Recreation Facility
MacDonald Island Park
1 MacDonald Drive, 780-791-0070
www.macdonaldisland.ca
PHOTO: Dawn Booth
MacDonald Island is a legendary place situated on the banks of the junction of the Clearwater River and the Athabasca. It’s rich history dates back in 1872 when John James MacDonald arrived in Fort McMurray to work for the Hudson Bay Company. He was the first known settler to claim residence on the island and stayed there with his family from 1880 to 1910.
Today, the island is home to Canada’s largest recreational complex – the Suncor Community Leisure Centre, which is 450,000 square feet and has had millions of visitors since opening in 2010. It also features the Miskanaw Golf Club and Shell Place.
With endless opportunities available to explore on the island, it's likely the only area in the community that offers peace and play in one place. You can be indoors swimming in an Olympic-sized pool or across the parking lot, listening to award-winning bands play inside the SMS Equipment Stadium. And for a quiet atmosphere, you can golf on the Miskanaw or take a walk on the TOTAL Aboriginal Interpretive Trail.
