Winnipeg, MB - At a public ceremony today, the Dakota Community Centre in south Winnipeg, officially opened its doors to its new $20.5 million Fieldhouse. Adjacent to the Jonathan Toews Sportsplex, the new Fieldhouse has added 60,000 square feet of exceptional sport, recreational and multi-use space to the Dakota Community Centre Campus.
Both the Province of Manitoba ($7 million) and City of Winnipeg ($6.7 million) have been supporters and funding partners since the sod was turned and construction began in December 2015.
"The Manitoba government is proud to have contributed $7 million in funding to the Dakota Community Centre Fieldhouse through the Manitoba Winnipeg Infrastructure Agreement," said Rochelle Squires, Minister of Sustainable Development and MLA for Riel. "Investments in municipal infrastructure projects that focus on sport and recreation play an integral role in providing recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities, improving the well-being of Manitobans and building a healthy community here in South Winnipeg."
“Winnipeg is a community that is passionate about sport and it is great to see the addition of this facility to the benefit of our residents,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “Community Centres aren’t just sporting venues, they are gathering places for our community where we meet our family, friends and neighbours. I’m glad the City of Winnipeg was able to support the investment into this Fieldhouse which will continue to be a source of community pride for many years to come!”
Built with a focus on accessibility for all, the Fieldhouse includes 30,000 sq. ft of a premium hardwood floor surface gymnasium, with 9 metre ceiling clearance to accommodate a multitude of sport and recreation activities and abilities, including overlaid court lines for:
- Volleyball - 3 - full-size feature courts or 6 full-size cross courts
- Basketball - 3 – FIBA regulation-sized basketball courts with retractable backboards
- Badminton/Pickleball - 12 courts
- Three lane walking/running track, sprint tracks and exercise equipment areas on the mezzanine level, surrounded by windows providing natural light and views to gym below
- Multipurpose studio for yoga and other health and wellness activities
- Large/accessible dressing rooms with shower facilities and washrooms
- Mobile retractable bleachers; concession with seating areas and viewing windows to the gymnasium
- Beautifully finished grounds, providing an abundance of new trees and area landscaping including additional parking, bicycle racks & drop off area
- Built to Manitoba Hydro Power Smart building designation and LEED Silver Certification Standards; Building Occupancy – 1500 persons
With a covered and heated connection to the Jonathan Toews Sportsplex, Centre users have easy access to all amenities, including the two indoor ice rinks, a gymnasium, nursery school, concession services, weight room, as well as numerous multi-purpose spaces in the Sportsplex.
“From my earliest days playing hockey, Dakota Community Centre has played a pivotal role in my upbringing and my career”, said Jonathan Toews, Dakota Futures Campaign Honourary Chair, via video. “I’m extremely proud to be part of bringing this new Fieldhouse to our community and supporting the development of future play places that will continue to transform the lives of so many.”
“We are very pleased to be here today to officially open this amazing facility,” said Tom Thiessen, Chair, Dakota Community Centre Board of Directors. “For 30 years, Dakota Community Centre has been a part of the fabric of this community, and the new Dakota Fieldhouse will help us continue to carry out our mission: to be a gathering place providing excellence in recreation and sports for everyone. Many thanks to our community leaders, government funders and donors, Jonathan Toews and his family, our Board and Expansion Committee, the Dakota Futures Capital Campaign Cabinet and all of our supporters for helping to make the Dakota Fieldhouse a reality.”
The new Fieldhouse will be a lasting legacy and source of pride for the south St. Vital community and, play host to numerous local, national and international sport and recreation events for years to come.