As Lakehead University plans for the future, recreation opportunities are top of mind.
The school is doing a feasibility study to see whether a sports dome and multi-field baseball complex are worth adding to the University Avenue campus in Orillia.
After consulting with local municipalities, sports groups and others, “a lot of themes have emerged,” said Chris Glover, acting associate vice-president, administration.
“Access, especially on site, to recreation facilities was certainly a priority,” he said.
So far, recreation has been the top priority, but there has been a desire to also see more social amenities, such as an on-site pub, and more research space. Those will be given consideration as the university continues its strategic planning.
For now, the focus is on recreation.
Some might question Lakehead’s intentions as it considers the creation of a sports dome and ball diamonds, as the West Orillia Sports Complex is next door and the city is building a recreation centre on West Street. However, the plan is not to duplicate services.
“This is meant to be complementary to existing facilities in the city,” Glover said, noting it is about “filling the gaps” in recreation opportunities and addressing the community’s and students’ needs.
“Lakehead has vocalized support for (the city’s rec centre), so we will continue to be a user group.”
It’s early in the process, so it’s not yet known what could be included in the project, but the university has varsity indoor soccer teams and a basketball program that could benefit from a sports dome, which could also provide a space for off-season training.
“We’ll learn more through the feasibility study” about what components are needed, Glover said.
Whatever comes of it, partnerships with the community will be key, he added.
About 1,500 students are enrolled at the Orillia campus. Lakehead plans to keep growing that number, and Glover said having on-site recreation opportunities will add to the appeal for students considering studying here.
There is certainly room to grow. Lakehead has 85 acres, and only about 25 per cent of that space has been developed.
Public consultations could take place once the feasibility study is finished, Glover said.
