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Trent University Celebrates Official Opening of the Trent Community Sport & Recreation Centre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New centre with state-of-the-art features offers community a full-spectrum indoor and outdoor athletics and recreation experience unparalleled anywhere in the region

Saturday, October 2, 2010, Peterborough

Earlier today, during the 40th anniversary Head of the Trent rowing regatta and alumni homecoming, Trent University celebrated the official opening of the new Trent Community Sport & Recreation Centre (TCSRC), a state-of-the-art, modern, multi-sport centre of excellence.

Joining University president Dr. Steven E. Franklin and Board chair David Morton at the opening ceremonies were Peterborough Mayor Paul Ayotte and several city councillors, who were recognized for the City’s $1 million investment in the TCSRC. Also on hand at the event were hundreds of alumni, donors, community members and Trent students, faculty and staff.

“The opening of the new Trent Community Sport & Recreation Centre represents a milestone moment in the history of the University, one that builds on a proud tradition of sport and recreation that began with the University’s founding in 1964,” said Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor. “On behalf of Trent, I would like to thank the City of Peterborough for their generous investment that has brought to fruition the City’s vision to establish a third sport and recreation complex in the City’s north end. This centre is a tremendous community asset that we are thrilled to share with the broader community.”

As the only athletics and recreation facility in the growing north end of the City of Peterborough, the TCSRC provides vital wellness services to all residents, including seniors and older adults, children, youth-at-risk, persons with disabilities, and the local workforce. Unique and innovative features of the new Centre include: North America’s most advanced indoor rowing/paddling tank, indoor climbing wall, 12,000 sq. ft. cardio loft and weight room overlooking the Otonabee River, Swimex hydrotherapy pool (the only one of its kind in the region) equipped with state-of-the-art features, expanded therapy clinic with Trent Health in Motion, a complete makeover of the pool, updated and redesigned change rooms, and a Wi-Fi equipped café.

The renewed athletics facility also boasts the title of one of the most sustainable buildings at Trent and in the community by achieving a silver rating through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™. A LEED-designated building is environmentally sound and energy efficient and leaves as small an environmental footprint as possible.

“When it comes to athletics and recreation, the TCSRC offers something no other university or community centre can – state-of-the-art and innovative features and facilities combined with unparalleled access to the natural environment, including the Otonabee River, diverse nature areas and kilometres of winding trails,” said Bill Byrick, director of Athletics at Trent. “This Centre is a shining jewel not only for the University but for the city and the region as well. Our doors are now open and we invite everyone to come in to see what we have to offer.”

The new 76,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art home for sports, fitness and recreation at Trent comprises the renewal of the pre-existing 54,000 sq. ft. PSB Wilson Athletics Complex and a new 22,000 sq. ft. addition, increasing overall space by 50 per cent. The project represents a $16 million total investment for new construction and refurbishment at the University and is supported through student levies and the $4 million Sport, Recreation & Wellness for All Campaign.

In October 2004, the students of Trent voted to establish a new $50 annual fee ($300,000 per year) in support of capital improvements to the athletics and recreation facilities at the University. Over the past six years, full-time undergraduate students have contributed $1.8 million to the new Trent Community Sport & Recreation Centre.

The Sport, Recreation & Wellness for All Campaign was launched in October 2009. To date, more than $3 million has been raised, including the $1 million investment from the City of Peterborough and a $1 million gift from international alumnus and world-renowned property developer Justin Chiu to name the Trent stadium, a key feature of the TCSRC. A special President’s River Reception for campaign donors was held following the opening ceremonies.

“The new Trent Community Sport and Recreation Centre brings to fruition the City’s Vision 2010 Strategic Plan for Recreation, which envisioned the designation of a third recreation facility in the city’s north end,” said Peterborough Mayor Paul Ayotte. “The Trent facility, with its emphasis on community access, will provide vital recreation, sport and wellness services to residents of the city’s growing north end. We are proud to be partnering with Trent on this important community project.”

Community memberships for the TCSRC are now available. For more information, visit www.trentu.ca/athletics, call (705) 748-1257 or drop by the Centre to sign up.  

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For more information, please contact:
Bill Byrick, director of Athletics, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x1252