Know Before You Go: Free nine-day Grand Opening Celebration at Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park begins November 14
A major community vision is becoming a reality. From November 14 to 22, residents are invited to celebrate the grand opening of Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park, the result of years of planning and construction, collaboration among all levels of government, support from community organizations, and the dedication of thousands of people who helped create a welcoming new place for Kitchener to connect, compete and belong.
The free, nine-day grand opening celebration kicks off with an official ribbon cutting, taking place on the centre’s fieldhouse from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Immediately following the ceremony, residents are invited to explore the facility and experience all it has to offer, with family activities, recreation experiences, facility tours, aquatics programming, sport showcases and more. With strong attendance expected, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare for a milestone celebration for the entire community.
Getting here
Parking at RBJ Schlegel Park will be limited, particularly on opening weekend. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance and allow extra travel time throughout the celebration. The City encourages residents to:
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Take Grand River Transit. To make it easier to get to the grand opening celebration, Route 33 will detour on November 14 to serve a temporary stop at Wallaceton Way. Plan your trip at grt.ca.
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Carpool with friends, family or teammates.
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Walk or cycle if travelling from nearby neighbourhoods.
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Arrive early for registered programs and high-demand activities.
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Check event schedules before leaving home.
What to do
Official ribbon-cutting ceremony
November 14 | 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Join Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, members of Council and community partners including MP Tim Louis and MPPs Mike Harris, and Jess Dixon, and local sport partners, as the City officially opens the new facility and celebrates a new chapter for recreation, sport and community connection in Kitchener.
Celebrate and play
November 14 | Noon to 6 p.m.; Free registered programming: 7-10 p.m.
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, inflatables, face painting, mascots, community displays, public swims and opportunities to explore the facility. Additional free registered programming will take place from 7 to 10 p.m.
Try Cowan Recreation Centre
November 15 to 20 | All day
Residents can experience free programming including:
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Public swims
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Fitness and wellness classes
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Recreation sports
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Active aging programs
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Youth activities
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Family activities and play all day drop-in programming
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Facility tours
Most activities require advance registration beginning November 2.
Discover local sport
November 21 and 22 | All day
Meet local sport organizations, watch demonstrations and learn about opportunities to get active in Kitchener's sport and recreation community.
Come prepared
To make the most of your visit:
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Pre-register for activities and programs where required.
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Bring comfortable clothing and footwear if participating in recreation activities.
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Pack swimwear and towels for aquatics programs.
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Bring a reusable water bottle to take advantage of water refill stations within the facility
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Review the event schedule in advance and identify the activities you would like to attend.
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Pack your patience: there may be times with larger crowds and wait times for popular activities.
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Dress for the weather if participating in outdoor activities or walking between parking areas and the facility.
The grand opening marks the beginning of a new chapter for recreation in Kitchener. Residents are invited to join the celebration and discover how Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park is a place where people can connect, compete and belong.
For schedules, registration information and event details, visit Kitchener.ca/RBJSchlegelPark.
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For more information:
Corporate Communications and Marketing
City of Kitchener
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.