Glenn Moore, son of the late Don Moore, spoke at the renaming ceremony at the newly dedicated Don Moore Recreation Centre in Red Deer on Nov. 18, 2025. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

late alberta sports hall of famer

Red Deer Recreation Centre renamed after sports builder Don Moore

Nov 18, 2025 | 2:18 PM

A celebrated Red Deerian and longtime head of the City’s recreation department, Don Moore, was given a high honour on Tuesday.

The downtown Recreation Centre, which opened in 1962, will now officially be known as the Don Moore Recreation Centre, after the man who sadly passed away at the age of 96 in December 2024.

“The Don Moore Recreation Centre stands as a symbol of what makes Red Deer strong: collaboration, dedication and the belief that everyone deserves access to recreation,” said Mayor Cindy Jefferies.

“I’ve seen firsthand how sport and active living empower individuals. Naming this facility for Don honours his decades of service, his vision for recreation in Red Deer, and challenges all of us to carry forward his commitment to building community through play, health and belonging.”

According to the City, Moore’s career saw his dedication help advance inclusive, accessible recreation services in Red Deer.

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New signage will soon go up at the Don Moore Recreation Centre in downtown Red Deer. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

Rendering of what new signage inside the facility will look like. (Supplied/City of Red Deer)

His leadership helped guide development of major facilities, including the G.H. Dawe Centre, and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, not to mention the Waskasoo Park system.

He was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame as a multi-sport builder in 2010.

“As a family, we are deeply grateful for this recognition of my dad’s tireless dedication to promoting a healthy body, mind, and spirit through recreation, sport, and culture,” Don’s son Glenn said Tuesday, joined by siblings Rick, Judy, Linda and Liz.

“His impact on our community and beyond truly reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. We are humbled by the outpouring of support and the many kind words from those whose lives he touched. For us, this honour is not only a reflection of his individual accomplishments, but also a celebration of the collaborative efforts that shaped his legacy – supported by my mom, Gloria, and the countless colleagues, volunteers, civic and provincial servants, and elected officials he worked alongside throughout his lengthy career.”

The children of Don Moore were all in attendance on Tuesday for a renaming ceremony in their late father’s honour. Pictured are Rick Moore Glenn Moore, Judy Moore, Linda Gimble and Liz Pfeiffer. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

Moore said his dad would always be remembered as ‘a man who got things done.’

“We know his influence will continue to resonate in the field of recreation in Alberta for years to come.”

The name transition will happen over the coming months with new signage.

All existing programs, passes and services will continue at the facility as usual.