An architectural rendering of the exterior of the future Field House, Health and Wellness Complex at the University of Winnipeg. (HANDOUT)
The interior of the future Field House, Health and Wellness Complex. (HANDOUT)
The University of Winnipeg’s Board of Regents have approved a proposed $40 million Multi-Purpose Field House, Health and Wellness Complex.
Shovels are expected to be in the ground by this spring, which will enhance the U of W’s sports programs and add to the revitalization of the city’s downtown.
The university will also create a Sport for All Fund to ensure that inner city youth and new Canadians have access to the facility and the opportunity. The fund will help cover the costs of quality recreational and cultural programs, cooperatives and mentorships with UWinnipeg students and athletic and academic bursaries.
The three-story Field House on Spence Street will offer indoor green space for three soccer pitches, as well for flag football, ultimate, baseball and track and field, as well as cultural and community events.
Other amenities include a large multi-use artificial turf field, sprint track, practice gymnasium, multi-events room, retail and office space, and a studio for activities such as dance and yoga.
The Field House will be connected by skywalks to the Bill Wedlake Fitness Centre and the existing Duckworth Centre which will be renovated to include a new Health and Wellness Centre offering a Lifespan Physical Activity Research Institute. Services will include an athletic therapy clinic, primary health care, chiropractic treatment, x-ray facilities, pharmacy, nutrition and obesity programs.
The centre will be open to the inner city community and offer residents a number of innovative medical services and several health and recreational options.
Both facilities are scheduled to open by the fall of 2013.
