The construction of a new, modern Aquatic Centre allows UBC the opportunity to expand and update its current aquatic program. Alongside the need to ensure a new facility can compete with similar facilities in other Post-Secondary institutions, a new Centre will be able to adequately service the growing residential neighbourhoods on campus. A balance between a competition facility and a neighbourhood leisure facility is a mandate of the final project. Construction is well underway and is expected to be completed late fall 2016. The project will cost approximately $39 million dollars in capital funding. More information on this project is available here.
Latest Updates on the New Aquatic Centre Construction
Thunderbird Stadium Field Update
Thunderbird Stadium is looking brand new! The field has been updated just in time for the upcoming school year where it will be home to UBC varsity football, soccer, and many other recreational programs.
The new hybrid monofilament, slit film turf is stitched with the Thunderbirds logo at centre, with permanent blue coloured end zones. The field also has stitched lines for both soccer and football.
Nobel Park Softball Field Update
As of April 1, 2021, construction of Nobel Park field has substantially been completed. The softball field will be home to the UBC Women’s Varsity Softball team and will also be used by the community.
Field installations and upgrades include safety nettings surrounding the field, roofs on dugouts, new in-field and warning track, upgrades to fencing, and re-alignment of field to meet NCAA requirements including two bullpens.
We are entering the Grow-In Phase of development to allow the turf to re-establish itself and are aiming for an early summer opening.
New Recreation Centre
Learn about the Project
The New Recreation Centre received Board 1 approval from the UBC Board of Governors in June 2020. The new facility will provide much needed recreation space including a state of the art fitness centre, three gymnasiums, an indoor track, and many other amenities.
Planning for a new recreation centre emerged from the UBC GamePlan: 20-year Recreation and Athletics Facilities Strategy, which involved public consultation and was approved by the Board of Governors in April 2017. The strategy supports UBC’s commitment to wellbeing by meeting a growing need for recreational fitness and gymnasium space.
New Recreation Centre Comment
Please review the attached documents above and use the form found via the link below to provide your comments by March 25, 2021.
Fitness Programming Comment
Please take a few minutes to provide your comments on the fitness programming areas of the new recreation centre.
Nobel Park Softball Field Upgrades
A development permit application has been received by Campus and Community Planning for renovations to the softball diamond at Nobel Park for use by the UBC Women’s Varsity Softball team as well as the community. Proposed improvements include upgrades to the field surface and fencing, new covered dugouts, bullpens, safety netting and space for temporary bleachers and washroom facilities.
For more information, please visit UBC Campus + Community Planning.