Construction begins on Audley Recreation Centre

Today, construction on the Town’s new state-of-the-art recreation facility, the Audley Recreation Centre, officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony. The $34 million project, which includes the recreation centre and accompanying park, is the largest capital project ever undertaken by the Town and will serve residents for generations to come.

“This new facility represents the Town’s hard work to ensure Ajax’s growing population is accommodated, from south to north,” says Mayor Steve Parish. “We’re proud to say we will now have three large, accessible community recreation centres located in our Town.”

Joining Mayor Parish and members of Town Council for the official event were students from Brother André Catholic School and Romeo Dallaire Public School, who gave the sod a symbolic turn, as well as representatives from the Rotary Club of Ajax which has donated $60,000 toward the creation of an accessible playground. Members of the community, user groups and other dignitaries were also in attendance for the historic event.

The Audley Recreation Centre (ARC) and related park facilities will be located south of the lands known as the Sportsplex at Audley and Taunton Roads. Slated to be complete in late 2012 or early 2013, the indoor facility will be approximately 55,005 square feet and will include the following amenities:

• A six lane lap pool, a leisure pool and associated change rooms;
• A gymnasium;
• Two multi-purpose rooms;
• A youth room;
• A pre-school room; and
• Administration areas.

“Beyond the impressive indoor facility, residents will be able to enjoy the fantastic outdoor park elements we have planned,” says Howie Dayton, Director of Recreation and Culture for the Town. “These include a new skateboard park; accessible playground; splash pad; multi-purpose courts; and multi-use trails.”

The Audley Recreation Centre is designed to a LEED Silver standard. The ‘green’ initiatives incorporated within the design of the new community centre building and park features include stormwater management; water conservation; energy reduction; waste management and use of recycled content; enhanced indoor air quality; and education and awareness.
Construction is expected to take a little more than a year with an official opening in the winter of 2012/2013.