We are currently constructing a brand new multi-purpose indoor recreation complex at RBJ Schlegel Park. Learn more about this exciting project below.

On this page:

  1. About the Kitchener indoor recreation complex
  2. Project updates
  3. Community benefits
  4. Sustainability
  5. Budget and finances
  6. Media Gallery

About the Kitchener indoor recreation complex

Get ready to experience Kitchener’s most exciting addition to sports and recreation! As part of our commitment to providing exceptional leisure facilities, the Kitchener indoor recreation complex at RBJ Schlegel Park is set to become the city's premier destination for sports, fitness, and community activities. 

Driven by the Leisure Facilities Master Plan and community priorities, this state-of-the-art facility was designed to meet the growing demand for diverse recreation options. Approved by Kitchener City Council in 2019, the complex combines a world-class indoor pool and turf fieldhouse with a variety of amenities that cater to all ages, abilities, and interests. Construction is currently underway, and we’re excited to open our doors in the summer of 2026! 

Amenities

The Kitchener indoor recreation complex is designed to inspire active living and community connections. Here’s what you can look forward to: 

  • A community and tournament-sized indoor turf fieldhouse: Divisible into four individual fields, perfect for soccer, cricket, and much more.

  • Indoor aquatic center: Featuring a warm water leisure pool and an 8-lane competition pool, with spacious viewing galleries. 

  • Elevated walking track: Offering a full view of the indoor turf facility, ideal for fitness enthusiasts. 

  • Cricket batting cage: A dedicated indoor space for practice and training. 

  • Multipurpose rooms: Flexible spaces for community events, celebrations, and rentals. 

  • Future-ready quad gymnasium: Plans include space for a future gymnasium addition to expand programming options and support sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton and pickleball. 

With its innovative design and inclusive amenities, the Kitchener indoor recreation complex will set the standard for modern recreation facilities, bringing people together for sports, fitness, and community-building. 

Construction was approved by City Council on April 8, 2024, following unanimous support for the target cost and design. Check out the proposed floor plan below for a sneak peek at what’s coming to your community!

Live on-site cameras

Project updates

May 2025

Aquatic centre

  • The roof installation is nearly complete.
  • Pool walls are going up on the lap pool.
  • Concrete has been poured for the leisure pool.
  • Pool drains have been installed, and plumbing work is underway in the change rooms.

Field house

  • The field house is now 55 per cent complete.
  • Nearly 2,500 individual steel components - including beams, columns, trusses and bracing - have been installed.
  • One-third of the metal decking for the indoor track is in place.

Gymnasium

  • Ground has been broken, marking the start of gymnasium construction.

Site work and parking

  • Crews are preparing to pour curbs and lay asphalt in both the north and south parking lots.

Community benefits

Our proposal for the Kitchener indoor recreation complex is to create a facility that will serve as Kitchener’s premier recreation destination while also being an inclusive and welcoming space for all community members.

By design, the complex will:

  • meet current and future recreation needs of the community: will provide much-needed pool and indoor turf programming space, with plans to expand the facility with an additional gym in the future
  • support the recreation needs of equity-deserving residents: will offer a greater diversity of recreation options to residents that are affordable and tailored to specific populations
  • support recreation as a family experience: will prioritize the experience of parents and family members in the design of spectator and viewing areas
  • support the sustainability goals for a greener city: we will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of this facility by design and through operation

Sustainability

The Kitchener indoor recreation complex will be one of the most environmentally sustainable recreation facilities in Canada. The project is pursuing certification under the Canada Green Building Council Zero Carbon Building Standard v3 – Design (ZCB – Design), which is the highest level of certification for zero carbon building standards in Canada.

The plans for the complex include a geothermal heating and cooling system, as well as our largest array of solar panels. These features will reduce 43 tonnes of carbon annually and save us close to $190,000 in utility costs every year.

Visit our corporate sustainability page to learn about our commitment to climate action.

Budget and finances

The total budget for this project is $174 million, with $30 million allocated specifically for the construction of the gymnasium. Funding for the new recreation facility comes from previously announced grants by the federal and provincial governments, as well as development charge revenues. This means the facility’s construction will have no impact on municipal taxes.

The Government of Canada is investing $9.7 million in the project, plus an additional $2 million for the multi-use gymnasium. The Government of Ontario is contributing more than $8 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). These grants have been critical to the project's progress and ongoing success.

Read the staff report and consultants' report for more information.

 

Photo and video renderings

 

See inside the proposed facility with these digital renderings and progress photos.

Photo gallery

The photo gallery below includes renderings and progress photos of the facility:

Photo Gallery: KIRC renderings will appear here on the public site.