Clarington yesterday announced it will move forward with construction of the new South Bowmanville Recreation Centre.
At a special meeting on October 2, Clarington Council voted to spend $65 million to develop, design and construct the first phase of the new facility, which will include a gymnasium and multi-purpose rooms for registered and drop-in programs; a sports dome and indoor walking track; and an outdoor skating rink, said a municipal statement.
As part of the motion, council also committed to using the upcoming findings of Clarington’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan – which will be finalized in 2024 – to precisely identify the need for other amenities, such as indoor ice rinks, an aquatic centre, or other facilities. The South Bowmanville Recreation Centre building footprint will be able to accommodate future expansion.
Public consultations on the new Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan will begin later this year.
Two new outdoor ice rinks
Council also approved the construction of two additional outdoor ice-skating rinks at a cost of $8 million – one at Courtice Community Complex (to open November 2024) and the other at the Diane Hamre Recreation Complex in Newcastle (to open November 2025).
“Earlier this year, we faced a roadblock in the development of the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre, with construction costs more than doubling. I’m pleased that Clarington was able to find a solution that will meet the immediate needs of the community while staying on budget and allowing room for expansion in the future,” said Mayor Adrian Foster. “Plus, with the addition of three new refrigerated outdoor skating rinks, residents will enjoy an extended outdoor skating season – something we know families are excited about here in Clarington.”
The South Bowmanville Recreation Centre will be located on the Clarington Fields lands. Learn more at www.clarington.net/SouthBowmanvilleRec.
[Image above is a file photo]
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