PARKIN ARCHITECTS LIMITED

The Waterloo Recreation Complex - Waterloo, Ontario

Previously an abandoned industrial area, the Waterloo Recreation Complex now comfortably accommodates day to day community use while at the same time functioning as a large scale spectator venue, hosting both national and international competitions. The complex itself comprises three major components - a 3,500 seat Olympic-sized arena (expandable to 5,000 seats) with four lane running track; a natatorium complete with 30-metre competition pool, hydraulic pool floor, 40 person swirlpool, 160' water slide and separate recreation pools; and a central support area dividing these two major facilities that incorporates community meeting room, a 400 person bar/banquet area, administration and mechanical services.

Reducing the visual impact of the enormous volume of the complex required careful consideration. Each architectural component is individually expressed in terms of form and materials, while separate roof lines further break-up the volume. The $17.6 million facility, opened in September 1993, quickly exceeded the projected number of users and continues to expand the programmes available.