Community excitement inspires week-long grand opening celebration to mark the opening of Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park, November 14 to 22

What started as a one-day event has grown into a nine-day community celebration, as excitement continues to build around the opening of Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park.

From November 14 to 22, residents of all ages are invited to explore Kitchener's newest recreation destination at their own pace – and at no charge. Visitors can pre-register to take part in activities, try new programs and facility amenities and watch local athletes play.

The expanded celebration will give residents more time to discover everything the new facility has to offer, from aquatics and fitness to community recreation, sport experiences and family activities. The now week-long free event is designed to inspire residents to connect with their neighbours, try new programming, meet City staff and community sport organizations, and experience the spaces that will serve their community for generations to come.

"We heard Kitchener residents loud and clear: one opening day simply wasn't enough," said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. "The enthusiasm for the Grand Opening has been remarkable. By extending the celebration across nine days, we're creating more opportunities for residents of all ages to experience this incredible community space and discover the programs, services and connections that will make Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park such an important part of Kitchener's future."

Nine days. Countless ways to connect, compete, and belong. 

The celebration will unfold over nine days, across three distinct experiences. Pre-register beginning on November 2 for free programming such as public swims.

Official ribbon-cutting ceremony | November 14 |10 a.m.11:30 a.m.   
Residents are invited to join Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, members of Kitchener City Council and community partners for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of the Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park. The ceremony will mark the beginning of a new chapter for recreation, sport and community connection in Kitchener, followed by opportunities to explore the facility and take part in fun, family-friendly activities. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and help celebrate this exciting milestone for the City.

Celebrate and play | November 14 | Community activities: 12- 6 p.m.; Free registered programming: 7-10 p.m.   
The festivities kick-off at noon on Saturday November 14 with a community celebration, featuring family-friendly entertainment, inflatables, face painting, mascots, information booths from local sport organizations and community groups, recreation experiences, public swims and opportunities to explore the facility.

Try Cowan Recreation Centre | November 15 to 20 | All day 
Starting on Sunday, November 15, and continuing throughout the week, residents can experience the facility firsthand through free recreational programming designed to meet a range of skills and abilities, including fitness and wellness classes, aquatics programs, recreation sports, active aging opportunities, youth activities and facility tours. Pre-registration through ActiveNet is required for most activities. Drop-in activities will be available on Sunday, November 15.  

Discover local sport | November 21 and 22 | All day 
The celebration concludes with a showcase of local sport organizations, giving residents an opportunity to watch demonstrations, meet local community partners and discover pathways to lifelong participation in sport, recreation and active living.

Plan your visit 
Visitors are encouraged to consider carpooling or taking transit and allow extra time to arrive. Parking at Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park will be limited throughout the celebration, and some activities and programs require advance registration.  

While the grand opening marks the beginning of a new chapter, the real story will be written by the residents who walk through these doors in the years ahead. The City of Kitchener looks forward to welcoming the community to Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park and celebrating the role it will play in a community that moves you.

To stay up to date on grand opening details, registration and more, visit Kitchener.ca/RBJSchlegelPark. 

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For more information:  
Corporate Communications and Marketing  
City of Kitchener  
media@kitchener.ca