The Conestoga community celebrated the official opening of the newly renovated Student Recreation Centre at the Doon campus on Tuesday, October 3.
Conestoga College celebrated the official opening of the new Student Recreation Centre on Oct. 3, 2016. Above L-R: Cameron Jones, President of Conestoga Students Inc.; John Tibbits, Conestoga President; Cliffy the Condor; Mike Dinning, Vice-President Student Affairs; and Paul Osborne, Associate Vice-President Marketing, Enrolment Management & Registrar.
Plans for the $21.6M renovation and expansion project were developed in consultation with the college’s student association, Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI), and based on feedback from a survey that assessed student needs and expectations for health and wellness facilities at the college.
“This facility was built on a foundation of partnerships and relationships,” said Conestoga President John Tibbits. “The project could not have been completed without CSI. You’ve done something great for the student body and for the community.”
The facility houses a new 35,000 square-foot fitness centre outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows to create a bright, welcoming area. The fitness centre is filled with state-of-the art equipment and contains three multi-purpose rooms for fitness classes.
The Centre’s former ice rink was replaced with a triple gymnasium that features hardwood sprung flooring to accommodate basketball, volleyball and badminton. A new four-lane running track hangs overhead.
In addition to the recreation areas, new community and social spaces and health and wellness offices have been added to provide a full range of recreation and athletic services.
“This Centre supports the health and well-being of the student population, which is part of what it means to receive a good education,” said Cameron Jones, CSI president.
Jones also said CSI will continue to support the Recreation Centre and the students who fill it. He announced that CSI has allocated $50,000 in scholarships and bursaries for Conestoga’s student athletes.
Mike Dinning, Conestoga’s vice president of Student Affairs, said the Centre will support the needs of students and employees for years to come and thanked architectural firm MJMA and Melloul-Blamey Construction for the time and attention dedicated to the project: “It’s your vision and hard work that have given Conestoga this truly unique facility.”
Costs for the renovations will be supported by full-time students at the Doon and Cambridge campuses through capital development fees paid to CSI. Recreation Centre memberships are available for students on other campuses.