Plan taking shape for recreational spaces in College Quarter

"The intent was to revisit the College Quarter master plan and try to add more detail on recreational opportunities at the site," said James Cook, manager of business opportunities in Corporate Administration. "We have talked to all key stakeholders—Huskies and kinesiology students, neighbouring communities, Campus Rec and the City of Saskatoon—to get that input."

Consultation with these groups, as well as with the entire campus community, included an open house "ideas fair" in late February, face-to-face meetings and an online survey that runs until March 24.

"We wanted to get as many ideas on what kind of recreational spaces and services would be useful in this development plan," Cook explained. "We have received a lot of interesting ideas like modern playground equipment for neighbourhood children, skiing and skating loops, outdoor fitness circuits with adult equipment stations, and informal green spaces that are available for yoga, quiet contemplation or Frisbee."

In addition to all these suggestions, another key consideration for developing recreation spaces is the replacement of playing fields that "have been lost to development that has already happened. We are trying to find the right locations, number, and mix of grass and artificial fields."

Consultants at Brook McIlroy, the architecture, urban design and landscape firm that developed the original College Quarter master plan, are building the recreation plan based on all feedback received and will suggest the right mix and placement of formal and informal recreational spaces as well as placement of pedestrian and bicycling pathways.

"This draft plan will be ready to present to our stakeholders hopefully in May for further feedback," said Cook. "Once we have a plan established, we will set priorities for development of these rec spaces and determine funding sources. Those sources could include funding through other College Quarter development or possibly community fundraising initiatives."