$93M indoor recreation centre coming to Kitchener’s RBJ Schlegel Park

Kitchener residents will have new space to go for a swim, kick a ball around, and work up a sweat.

City council has given the go-ahead to move forward with plans for a new indoor recreation centre at RBJ Schlegel Park.

It includes an indoor turf and aquatic facility with two pools—one eight-lane pool and a warm water leisure pool.

“This is a much needed amenity in this part of the city. It is a quickly growing part of the city and one that doesn't have a lot of recreational amenities. In other words, the people living there are having to travel to other parts,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic.

But, the new rec centre will also benefit Kitchener residents outside the southwest area.

“For example, we already have waiting lists for swim programs, and so on, at our other pools. So, getting this pool open will not only serve people that live in the immediate neighbourhood, but others that can't get space in the other parts of the city,” said Vrbanovic.

It will be a few years before the new facilities are built.

The Kitchener mayor said the plan is to see it done in 2025.

Costs for the new indoor rec centre are pegged at around $93 million, and over double what was first estimated.

“A number of things have increased the cost over the past number of years, including an increased facility area,” said Vrbanovic.

“Construction costs escalations have gone up significantly, almost $19 million, as well as additions, with respect to site development and the zero carbon design and operations.”

But, the city has secured over $17 million in funding from the province and federal government.

At a meeting Monday, Kitchener councillors also noted the cost will be put largely on the developers, instead of taxpayers.

“This is a project that's really been talked about for a couple decades,” said Vrbanovic. 

In recent years, outdoor amenities at RBJ Schlegel Park, like the splashpad and playground opened up, and are already well used.

After many yrs of careful planning by staff & 16yrs of strong advocacy by @gallowaykelly, @CityKitchener Council today strongly supported moving forward with construction of the Indoor Rec Complex & Aquatic Facility at #RBJSchlegelPark – serving all residents of our growing city! pic.twitter.com/Jxire4jPHO

— Berry Vrbanovic (@berryonline) May 16, 2022