Cowan Recreation Centre opening day celebration brings more than 6000 community members together

Kitchener, ON - Thousands of visitors joined City Council, government representatives, community partners and business leaders today in commemoration of the grand opening of the Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park, marking a new era of recreation, wellness and connection in Kitchener. 

The day-long celebration welcomed families, neighbours and community members of all ages to explore the City's newest and most accessible facility.  

“Together with the outgoing Kitchener City Council, I was thrilled today to join our Kitchener residents and others to see the Cowan Recreation Centre officially come to life,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “As I have witnessed the facility in recent weeks during its soft opening, and again today, what has stood out to me was how naturally people seemed to have a true sense of belonging in all its many spaces. Kids are making new friends while they swim in the pool, neighbours will meet as they use the walking track, and local athletes are exploring new possibilities for their sport. It's clear that the Cowan Recreation Centre will have an immeasurable impact because our community will shape what happens here every day.”   

Following today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, residents spent the day exploring the Cowan Recreation Centre through a range of free activities and programs. Visitors toured the facility, connected with community organizations and sport groups, participated in family activities and recreation programs, and made use of amenities including the aquatics centre, walking track and FIFA-sized indoor turf. More than 6,000 visitors participated in activities throughout the day, including approximately 1,200 joining free public swims, 200 residents taking part in recreation programs and more than 3,000 enjoying refreshments with their visit onsite. Programming continued into the evening with organized recreation sports, fitness classes and drop-in opportunities for children, teens and adults. 

“Today showed what it means to build a recreation centre for everyone,” said Michael May, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Kitchener. “The Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park is the most accessible facility the City has ever built, and today we welcomed residents of all ages and abilities to take part wide variety of activities, connect with their neighbours and enjoy time with friends.” 

More to explore 

The grand opening celebration is just the beginning of 9-days of free activities designed to help residents discover everything the Cowan Recreation Centre has to offer. Visitors are encouraged to check out the schedule and register online before arriving.  

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. 

To learn more about programming and events, visit Kitchener.ca/RBJSchlegelPark. 

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For more information: 

Corporate Communications and Marketing 

City of Kitchener 

media@kitchener.ca