New athletic facility at Fleming College

From Fleming College

January 15, 2007 - A brand new, award-winning fitness facility plays a leading role in the health and wellness experience for students at Fleming College.

Students attending the college, located in the Kawarthas, now have access to the state-of-the-art Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre. The athletic facility is fully accessible and features an aquatic centre with leisure and therapy pools, a fitness centre with indoor track, an exercise studio, multipurpose rooms, and a triple gymnasium.

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, a partnership between Fleming College and the City of Peterborough, opened in June 2005 on Fleming’s main campus. Home to the Fleming Knights varsity sports teams and the college’s intramural league, the Wellness Centre is open to all students at Fleming’s main campus.

The design of the building facilitates both community and student use in athletics, fitness and health and wellness programming. Members of the community can purchase fitness memberships at the Wellness Centre and the facility features a number of drop-in programs for individuals of all ages. Currently, there are more than 5,000 regular users of the centre.

Fleming’s students are reaping the benefits of having an on-campus fitness facility.

“The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre is a valuable addition to the Fleming College community,” says Dr. Tony Tilly, President of Fleming College. “Prior to the Wellness Centre opening, we were the only college in the province that did not have a gymnasium. The students have benefited from the use of this fine facility and have expressed their appreciation for it. The Peterborough community has also enjoyed the centre. Services offered are accessible and flexible for people of all ages.”

According to Fred Batley, Fleming Athletics Director, the facility offers more events for the athletes, students and the community. It also allows easier access for students to fitness facilities as they can walk to the Wellness Centre from campus.

Mr. Batley adds that with the opening of the Wellness Centre Fleming has seen a boost to its school spirit.

“Students can now attend varsity home games. The facility provides a sense of identity for the athletes and students – a place they can call their own.”

Another benefit of the Wellness Centre is that academic programs can use the facility for special events such as convocation ceremonies as well as class activities. For example, the Massage Therapy program operates an on-site clinic for Fleming athletes at the Wellness Centre, says Mr. Batley.

“It’s a beautiful facility. It’s clean and bright with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and it is a fully accessible building,” he says. “Students have access to personal trainers and can participate in instructional programs such as yoga or dance.”

In November, the Wellness Centre won a Facility of Merit Award from the Athletic Business Association. The centre was selected for the award from a field of more than 81 athletic facilities across North America.

The award honours architects and facility owners for planning, designing, financing and managing facilities that meet high standards of quality. Facilities are selected on the basis of functional relationships, plan efficiency, use of space, and energy conservation.

By Laura Copeland, Communications Officer, Fleming College