New recreation centre facility being proposed for RBJ Schlegel Park
Posted Mar 20, 2024 04:06:45 PM.
Last Updated Mar 20, 2024 04:12:32 PM.
The City of Kitchener has unveiled a proposal for a new $144-million recreation centre that would be built in the southwest part of the city at RBJ Schlegel Park.
The proposed building will be the city’s first net-zero carbon building, and one of the most environmentally sustainable recreation facilities in the country.
The rec centre will feature a FIFA-sized indoor turf field, an aquatics centre and a second-floor walking track around the perimeter of the turf field among other amenities.
“I am beyond excited about this proposed new facility for our community which has the potential to become one of Kitchener’s most significant community gathering spaces, and a wonderful addition to our already popular RBJ Schlegel Park,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “As a community, this long-awaited project gives us an opportunity to create something really special with this new recreation facility – something that will meet the diverse recreational needs of our residents for decades to come.”
The proposal will be the largest budget-wise building that the city has ever built. The previously largest building was Kitchener City Hall which opened back in 1993.
The new facility is being funded through a previously announced grant from the federal and provincial governments, and development charge revenues. There would be no impact to municipal taxes. The city said that it would continue to pursue other grant possibilities for the project.
Back in 2019, Kitchener council identified the need for a new indoor pool and turf facilities as the top two indoor recreation priorities for the community.
The proposal will be discussed at an upcoming Community and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting on Mar. 25 and again at the Apr. 8 council meeting.
