Southland Leisure Centre

Southland Leisure Centre Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions in Calgary

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Southland Leisure Centre, situated in Calgary, Alberta, is a cornerstone of recreation, wellness, and community engagement for residents and visitors alike. Since its inception, the centre has served as a multifaceted hub, offering a blend of modern amenities, inclusive programming, and a welcoming environment for individuals and families of all backgrounds. This guide provides an in-depth overview of Southland Leisure Centre—detailing its history, facilities, visiting hours, ticketing options, accessibility features, and cultural significance—so you can make the most of your visit to this celebrated Calgary landmark (Wikiwand, Odyssey Leisure, City of Calgary, Leisure Escapade).

Origins and Development
Community Wellness and Engagement
Facilities and Key Features
Visitor Information (Hours, Tickets, Accessibility)
Recognition and Awards
Social and Cultural Significance
Facility Maintenance and Updates
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Visuals and Multimedia Suggestions
FAQs
Summary and Visitor Tips
Sources

Origins and Development

Southland Leisure Centre was established as part of a municipal initiative to provide quality recreational facilities to Calgary’s growing southwestern communities. Designed alongside its counterpart, Village Square Leisure Centre, Southland was envisioned as a multipurpose indoor complex with a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Over the years, the centre has undergone significant upgrades—expanding its aquatic zones, fitness areas, and accessibility features to keep pace with the changing needs of Calgary’s diverse population (Wikiwand, Odyssey Leisure).

Community Wellness and Engagement

Beyond its physical infrastructure, Southland Leisure Centre is celebrated for fostering wellness, belonging, and active lifestyles. The centre’s dynamic programming includes sports training, gymnastics, racquet sports, skating, dance, martial arts, and hockey. For young families, specialized offerings like playschool, tot’s gym time, and AquaPlay ensure children are introduced to active and social play early on (Wikiwand). Community events such as health fairs, tournaments, and charity runs encourage social connection and community spirit (Leisure Escapade).

Facilities and Key Features

Aquatic Facilities

Wave Pool & Water Slides: Large wave pool with ocean-like waves and thrilling slides.
AquaPlay & Kiddie Pool: Interactive play structure for children (0–6), plus a safe kiddie pool.
Dive Tank & Hot Tub: Dive tank with 1-meter springboard, hot tub, and a unisex steam room.
Safety & Accessibility: Lifeguards on duty, inclusive change rooms, and accessible pool entry (City of Calgary).

Fitness and Sports

Weight Room & Studio: Modern strength training and cardio equipment, group fitness classes, and yoga.
Arenas: Two NHL-sized rinks for skating and hockey.
Gymnasium: Basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, and more.
Climbing Wall & Gymnastics: Supervised climbing wall and dedicated gymnastics area.

Family & Community Amenities

Kinder Room: Safe play area for children under 7.
Multipurpose Rooms: Available for birthday parties, community meetings, and events.
Wellness Services: Physiotherapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture through Lifemark.

Accessibility

Southland Leisure Centre is fully accessible, featuring ramps, elevators, accessible washrooms, and change rooms. Sensory-friendly features and accommodations are available for visitors with diverse needs (Odyssey Leisure).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location: 2000 Southland Dr. SW, Calgary, AB
Visiting Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Holiday hours may vary; always check the official schedule.
Tickets & Passes:
- Drop-in admission, multi-visit passes, and monthly/annual memberships (with group, family, senior, and youth discounts).
- Purchase online via the City of Calgary’s portal or at the centre.
Transportation & Parking:
- Ample free parking and accessible by public transit (MAX Yellow BRT line and Southland Station) (Wikiwand).
COVID-19 Protocols:
- Follows current provincial health guidelines. Check City of Calgary for updates.

Recognition and Awards

In 2024, Southland Leisure Centre was named “Best Family Recreation Facility” and awarded for the “Best Extracurricular Program for School-Aged Children” by the City of Calgary, affirming its status as a leader in inclusive, high-quality community programming (City of Calgary).

Southland Leisure Centre is more than a recreational space—it plays a pivotal role in Calgary’s social fabric. The centre has hosted events supporting LGBTQ+ communities and provided safe, inclusive spaces for all. Notably, its handling of sensitive events, such as the cancellation of a nude swim due to safety concerns, sparked important discussions about inclusivity and community values (Calgary Gay History). The centre continues to prioritize equity and diversity in its programming and operations.

Facility Maintenance and Updates

Southland Leisure Centre is undergoing preventative maintenance, including curved skylight window replacements through fall 2025. The aquatic area will be closed for approximately four months starting September 2025 due to electrical repairs. Other facilities—such as the weight room, arenas, and fitness studios—will remain open during this period. For up-to-date information, consult the City of Calgary maintenance updates.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: Use public transit or take advantage of free parking.
Nearby: Calgary Zoo, Fish Creek Provincial Park, and Heritage Park Historical Village are close by, making Southland an ideal addition to your Calgary adventure.
Booking: Reserve birthday parties and group events in advance, especially during peak times.

Visuals and Multimedia Suggestions

Include high-quality images of the aquatic complex, fitness centre, and climbing wall, with descriptive alt tags (e.g., “Southland Leisure Centre wave pool in Calgary”).
Offer a downloadable facility map and virtual tour via the City of Calgary’s official channels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the centre’s operating hours?
A: Monday–Friday: 5:30 AM–10:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM. Holiday hours may vary.

Q: How do I purchase tickets or memberships?
A: Online via the City of Calgary recreation portal or in person at the centre.

Q: Is Southland accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the centre provides ramps, elevators, accessible washrooms, and sensory-friendly accommodations.

Q: Are there programs for young children?
A: Yes, including playschool, tot’s gym time, and AquaPlay for ages 0–6.

Q: What is the best way to reach the centre by transit?
A: MAX Yellow BRT and bus routes to Southland Station.

Q: Are there COVID-19 protocols in place?
A: Yes. Please check the City of Calgary website for current guidelines.

Summary and Visitor Tips

Southland Leisure Centre stands as a model of community-focused recreation in Calgary. Its wide-ranging facilities, award-winning programming, and dedication to accessibility ensure a welcoming environment for all. Visitors benefit from convenient access, ample parking, and proximity to other Calgary attractions. With ongoing facility enhancements and a strong commitment to inclusivity, Southland continues to enrich the lives of Calgarians and remains a top choice for leisure and wellness (City of Calgary, Wikiwand, Leisure Escapade).

Stay updated by downloading the Audiala app and following Southland Leisure Centre and City of Calgary Recreation on social media.