Ontario Construction News staff writer
Clarington Council has announced that construction for the new South Bowmanville Recreation Centre is set to begin in spring 2025. On Sept, 23, council members approved an ambitious design plan that includes the addition of an indoor aquatics facility.
Standing at the future site of the centre, members of Clarington Council showcased plans for the development, aimed at enhancing community well-being. In attendance were Ward 4 Councillor Margaret Zwart, Mayor Adrian Foster, Ward 2 Councillor Lloyd Rang, Ward 1 Councillor Sami Elhajjeh, and Ward 3 and 4 Regional Councillor Willie Woo.
“We know Clarington families will share our excitement about the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre plans,” said Mayor Adrian Foster. “We’re thrilled to dive into planning a new pool in Bowmanville, and we’re looking forward to getting the province on board to help make it happen.
“We can’t wait to start construction on this exciting project that will boost the health and well-being of our growing community.”
The approved Phase 1 design renderings highlight a modern facility featuring a gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms for recreation programming, a quiet room, and a FIFA-sized multi-sport dome complete with an indoor walking track. Additionally, plans include an outdoor skating trail that will double as a community event space during warmer months and a playground already situated near Clarington Fields.
Phase 2 of the project will introduce an indoor aquatics centre, which will consist of a 25-metre main pool, a teaching pool, a therapy pool, and a large viewing area. This addition comes in response to Clarington’s draft Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, which identified a pressing need for expanded aquatics programming in the Bowmanville area.
The South Bowmanville Recreation Centre is projected to open in summer 2026, with the aquatics facility to follow at a later date.
