Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park opens November 14, expanding sport, recreation and active living access for a community in motion

The City of Kitchener will officially open the new Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park on Saturday, November 14, creating more opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to connect, compete, and belong through sport, recreation and community experiences. Community members are invited to join the grand opening ceremony and stay for family-focused activities throughout the day. 
 
As the largest capital project in the City’s history, the centre is designed to respond to the needs of a growing and changing community by expanding access to indoor sport and recreation opportunities, while creating a welcoming place for people to get active, spend time together and build connections with others. Located in RBJ Schlegel Park, the centre is expected to bring the community together with more than 500,000 visits in the first year alone, and provide additional training, practice and competition space for dozens of local sport organizations.

"The opening of Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park is one of the most significant investments in community infrastructure in Kitchener's history," said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. "This facility will help more children learn to swim, give families more opportunities to be active together, provide welcoming spaces for residents of all abilities, and bring people together through sport, recreation and community events." 

The centre includes a quad gymnasium, FIFA-sized indoor turf field that can be divided into four playing areas, two cricket practice nets, competition and leisure pools, and an indoor walking track. Together, these spaces will support a wide variety of sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, cricket, futsal, pickleball, badminton and swimming. 
 
For local sport organizations, this additional space will create opportunities to expand programs, accommodate more participants and help reduce waitlists. For residents, it means more chances to discover a new activity, or to continue playing a sport they already enjoy. 
 
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome the community into the Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park,” said Michael May, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Kitchener. "From the very beginning, this facility has been designed with the people who will use it most top of mind: players, families, fans, coaches, partners and volunteers. Whether someone is attending their first swim lesson, playing in a basketball tournament, walking the indoor track or cheering on a family member, we want their experience to be welcoming, accessible and enjoyable." 

Where community comes together and everyone belongs 

More than a sports facility, the Cowan Recreation Centre is designed as a community gathering space that will create lasting benefits for the entire community: