THE GOOD PLACE
The Axworthy Health and RecPlex Is Ahead of the Game
How the state-of-the-art facility is bringing diverse communities together for the love of sport.
By Sydney Loney | Original photography by Ian McCausland
“Sport is a common language,” says Dean Melvie, the director of recreation facilities and services for the Axworthy Health and RecPlex. “You don’t need an interpreter. You can just move together,” he explains. Whether on the track, in the gym or on the courts, this is precisely what happens every day at the Axworthy Health and RecPlex, known as RecPlex, at the University of Winnipeg. The world-class facility, which opened in 2014, was developed under the leadership of former politician Lloyd Axworthy during his presidency at U of W. From day one, the vision has been to create an environment where the university and the broader community come together in a meaningful way, with accessibility and inclusivity at its core.
“It was meant to remove barriers for people who may not otherwise have year-round access to quality recreation spaces,” notes Melvie. “It’s a welcoming space where youth, families, cultural groups, sports organizations, schools and community organizations can gather, be active and build connections.”
Barrier-free design
The building, which spans nearly 190,000 square feet, received a LEED Gold designation for sustainable design. RecPlex consists of multiple recreational spaces:
- a four-lane rubberized sprint track
- retractable batting cages
- a climbing wall
- a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and badminton
- a soundproof multi-purpose room to accommodate drumming and powwow groups
- a full-size artificial-turf field
The entranceways, hallways, viewing areas and washrooms are all accessible, the turf field can withstand everything from cleats to wheelchair tires, and there is Braille signage throughout the complex.
The Axworthy Health and RecPlex features an accessible full-sized turf field, accommodating a variety of sports and athletic activities.
“It’s also about creating an environment where people feel welcome, supported and able to participate.”
Creating community
The facility’s design promotes diversity and inclusion, says Melvie. “[It] recognizes that accessibility is about much more than physical access. It’s also about creating an environment where people feel welcome, supported and able to participate.” RecPlex provides free access to more than 30 local community organizations, including the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Newcomer Sport Academy, the Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre, BGC (formerly the Boys and Girls Club) and the Islamic Social Services Association. “Operationally, the facility serves three primary groups: university users; rental groups who generate revenue to support facility operations; and community groups whose access is protected through the RecPlex Community Charter,” explains Melvie. This ensures that community voices participate in decision-making of programming so that it reflects member needs.
Learning new skills
Regularly serving as a centre for skills development, the Axworthy Health and RecPlex provides a focus on youth, whether that involves learning a new sport or building leadership skills. Some of the youth who use the space arrived in Canada from areas affected by war, according to Melvie. “The joy on their faces is a powerful reminder of the positive impact that sport, recreation and community can have,” he says. “It’s one thing to talk about a building concept. It’s another to see children running across a field, families and friends connecting, and people experiencing a genuine sense of joy and belonging.” CAA
Dean Melvie, director of recreation facilities and services for Axworthy Health and RecPlex at the University of Winnipeg.
ASIN (meaning “stone” in Ojibwa) is etched into the entrance of the Axworthy Health and RecPlex entrance, symbolizing reconciliation, healing and wellness; the barrier-free facility features a turf field, gymnasium and multi-purpose room where community members of all ages can enjoy sports, recreation and community programming.
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The Axworthy Health and RecPlex features an accessible full-sized turf field, accommodating a variety of sports and athletic activities.
THE GOOD PLACE
The Axworthy Health and RecPlex Is Ahead of the Game
How the state-of-the-art facility is bringing diverse communities together for the love of sport.
By Sydney Loney | Original photography by Jodi Pudge
“Sport is a common language,” says Dean Melvie, the director of recreation facilities and services for the Axworthy Health and RecPlex. “You don’t need an interpreter. You can just move together,” he explains. Whether on the track, in the gym or on the courts, this is precisely what happens every day at the Axworthy Health and RecPlex, known as RecPlex, at the University of Winnipeg. The world-class facility, which opened in 2014, was developed under the leadership of former politician Lloyd Axworthy during his presidency at U of W. From day one, the vision has been to create an environment where the university and the broader community come together in a meaningful way, with accessibility and inclusivity at its core.
“It was meant to remove barriers for people who may not otherwise have year-round access to quality recreation spaces,” notes Melvie. “It’s a welcoming space where youth, families, cultural groups, sports organizations, schools and community organizations can gather, be active and build connections.”
Barrier-free design
The building, which spans nearly 190,000 square feet, received a LEED Gold designation for sustainable design. RecPlex consists of multiple recreational spaces:
- a four-lane rubberized sprint track
- retractable batting cages
- a climbing wall
- a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and badminton
- a soundproof multi-purpose room to accommodate drumming and powwow groups
- a full-size artificial-turf field
The entranceways, hallways, viewing areas and washrooms are all accessible, the turf field can withstand everything from cleats to wheelchair tires, and there is Braille signage throughout the complex.
“It’s also about creating an environment where people feel welcome, supported and able to participate.”
Dean Melvie, director of recreation facilities and services for Axworthy Health and RecPlex at the University of Winnipeg.
Creating community
The facility’s design promotes diversity and inclusion, says Melvie. “[It] recognizes that accessibility is about much more than physical access. It’s also about creating an environment where people feel welcome, supported and able to participate.” RecPlex provides free access to more than 30 local community organizations, including the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Newcomer Sport Academy, the Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre, BGC (formerly the Boys and Girls Club) and the Islamic Social Services Association. “Operationally, the facility serves three primary groups: university users; rental groups who generate revenue to support facility operations; and community groups whose access is protected through the RecPlex Community Charter,” explains Melvie. This ensures that community voices participate in decision-making of programming so that it reflects member needs.
Learning new skills
Regularly serving as a centre for skills development, the Axworthy Health and RecPlex provides a focus on youth, whether that involves learning a new sport or building leadership skills. Some of the youth who use the space arrived in Canada from areas affected by war, according to Melvie. “The joy on their faces is a powerful reminder of the positive impact that sport, recreation and community can have,” he says. “It’s one thing to talk about a building concept. It’s another to see children running across a field, families and friends connecting, and people experiencing a genuine sense of joy and belonging.” CAA