Plenty of recreational opportunities during temporary facility closures

There will be temporary closures in two City of Waterloo recreational facilities over the coming months to accommodate summer campers as well as expansion construction activity.

Swimplex closure

The Swimplex at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex (WMRC) is closed until on or about October 4, 2021.

The City of Waterloo is currently expanding this facility to include a new civic front that will include an activity court/gymnasium, additional lobby space, two exercise studios and a secondary indoor walking concourse. In addition, the new community pavilion will host multi-generational programming, including the city’s older adult recreation program currently offered at the Adult Recreation Centre (ARC) and Wing 404 RCAFA Rotary Adult Centre. Please visit waterloo.ca/wmrc for information about this project.

As part of the expansion, the Swimplex must close to allow workers to refurbish hydraulics and complete mechanical work on the moveable floor. The aquatic change rooms will also undergo renovations during this closure.

During the closure, we encourage swimmers to visit the outdoor pool at Moses Springer Community Centre. Swim lessons, lane swims, waterfit, public swims and leadership courses will be available throughout the summer at Moses Springer outdoor pool. Registration for swim lessons begins June 2, 2021.

Indoor track and walking loop closures

The indoor track at WMRC and the walking loop at RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex and Healthy Living Centre will close June 25, 2021 for the summer.

In keeping with public health guidelines and provincial legislation, these closures are necessary to free up capacity for our summer campers.

During the closure, and throughout the year, we encourage track and loop users to consider visiting our local trails. There are several to choose from including:

• Walter Bean Trail
• Trails around RIM Park
• Forwell Trail
• Uptown Loop
• There is a full list of trails on our website.

These upgrades, renovations and new amenities will benefit our community for years to come. We understand these closures may affect recreational plans, however there is so much to do in Waterloo and we encourage residents to use this opportunity to visit other facilities, parks and trails.

In addition to the expansion at WMRC, two other facilities in Waterloo are under construction to bring much-needed amenities to our community.

East Side Branch Library

Construction continues at RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex for our newest library branch. This library will be an 11,500 square foot one-storey building addition, as well as 2,200 square foot renovation of existing space. We expect the library to open in spring 2022. Please visit our website for ongoing construction updates.

Albert McCormick Central Plaza

Upgrades to the exterior area of Albert McCormick Community Centre are well underway. This project includes:

• A 5,000 square foot skateboard park
• Water-jet area
• Bankshot basketball court
• All-ages climbing structure
• New gathering/seating areas
• Public art

We anticipate construction to be complete and the amenities ready for use by summer 2021. Please visit Engage Waterloo for project details.

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Media contact

Shelly Reed
Communications consultant
shelly.reed@waterloo.ca