New public artwork for Cowan Rec Plex in Kitchener approved
Posted May 4, 2026 04:28:18 AM.
Last Updated May 5, 2026 08:54:15 AM.
The public art that’s been chosen to go outside a new recreation complex in Kitchener is described as “a diverse cast of local animal characters playing a variety of sports, with a joyful emphasis on celebration and whimsy.”
A report to Kitchener city council on Monday presented the sculptures in an installation called “Let’s Play!”, by Pierre Poussin, to go up at the Cowan Recreation Complex.
The bronze statues depict cartoon-like animals playing soccer, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball and cricket.
Statues will be installed at the two main entrances to the new recplex at Schlegel Park.
The installation was chosen after 21 submissions were narrowed down to four finalists.
The budget for artwork when proposals were requested was listed at $200,000, and while “Let’s Play!” originally came in within that budget, the report said, “after further discussions with city staff and some refinements/additions to the proposed statues, the total cost of this proposal is now $250,000.”
The report noted the cost for the artwork will be funded through existing funds previously earmarked for outdoor art in Schlegel Park.
And some of the costs will be saved by installing the sculptures while the rec plex is being built, instead of coming in afterwards.
Council voted at their Monday evening meeting to accept the report and approve the artwork, and a statement Tuesday morning said installation is expected in 2026, subject to the construction schedule.
Poussin is based in North York, and already has artwork installed in Toronto, Edmonton, Kelowna, Collingwood and other cities.
