City seeking ‘playful’ sculptures to adorn new Kitchener recreation facility
Posted Oct 2, 2025 04:14:53 PM.
Last Updated Oct 2, 2025 04:33:32 PM.
The City of Kitchener is putting the call out to local artists as it looks ahead to adding the finishing touches to the Cowan Recreation Centre.
The massive, multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art facility is being built at RBJ Schlegel Park at Fisher-Hallman and Huron roads in South Kitchener.
They’re looking for sports-themed sculptures that are “playful, engaging and interactive, designed to reflect the spirit of sport and community connection.”
The pieces will be given prominent spots at the building’s two entrances, so they’ll be one of the first things visitors see when they arrive.
“We’re looking for sculptures that not only honour the energy and diversity of sport, but also invite people to interact, play and connect,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, in a press release. “These artworks will be a vibrant part of the experience for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who will come through the facility each year.”
The city says artists from all backgrounds and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.
The artist or team who is selected will receive a $200,000 commission to create sculptures for both locations. That artwork needs to be able to stand up to the elements because it will be outside.
The deadline for applications is Dec.15. They can be submitted online, by email or snail mail.
Those interested are welcome to attend an information session at Kitchener City Hall on Oct. 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The $174 million Cowan Recreation Center is being billed as the most energy-efficient, accessible and inclusive recreation center ever built by the city.
Some of the features include a FIFA-size indoor soccer pitch, an aquatics center with two pools, a quad gym, cricket practice nets and multi-purpose rooms. The facility is expected to open to the public in late 2026.
