After four years of construction, the Queen’s Park Sportsplex has officially opened in New Westminster, providing athletic programs in the community with an emphasis on gymnastics.
The Sportsplex takes the place of the Queen’s Park Arenex. The Sportsplex will look to provide gymnastics and trampoline programs that space and setup requirements have made difficult at other venues in the area.
This will include the “Motoring Munchkins” preschool program, which is designed to teach toddlers the basics of movement and agility. The facility’s plans also include hosting ball hockey and adult drop-in sports such as badminton and volleyball. Programs like this, often advertised through poster printing, are popular among people of all ages looking to keep fit and have fun.
The new facility sits on a 12,000-square foot site and cost $5.9 million to construct, largely from insurance money after the old Arenex’s roof collapsed. There will also be an outdoor area including a baseball diamond, basketball court and seating area.
The Sportsplex incorporates environmental sustainability through passive heating and cooling, as well as solar panels on the roof. This makes it the first city-owned building in New Westminster to have net zero carbon emissions.
The Queen’s Park Sportsplex officially opened on November 2. Gymnastics and trampoline programming are already underway, with additional classes and activities to be added as public health guidelines permit.
