$155 million sports complex in Whitby set for grand opening

A new recreation complex in Brooklin featuring Durham’s largest pool, a twin pad arena, multi-purpose gymnasium and the largest outdoor cluster of pickleball courts in Ontario will get its moment in the sun Sept. 12 with a grand opening celebration.

Billed as Whitby’s “most significant” recreation project in the town’s history, the $155 million Fieldgate Sports Complex, located on the west side of Baldwin Street, just south of Highway 407, is the culmination of years of planning, community engagement and collaboration to support Whitby’s growing population and evolving recreation needs. Once complete, said Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy, it will serve as a hub for recreation, sport, wellness, and community connection for generations.

“The Fieldgate Sports Complex is more than a recreation facility – it’s a reflection of our community’s vision for the future,” noted Roy, who said it was “exciting” to see the project near completion. “Whitby residents and local sports organizations helped shape this project from the very beginning, and on September 12 we will celebrate a place that was truly built by the community, for the community.”

The town will celebrate the grand opening with a free community event featuring family activities, community partner displays, and opportunities to experience the complex’s indoor and outdoor amenities.

Whitby CAO Matt Gaskell said the grand opening will be “an opportunity to recognize the tremendous effort that brought this project to life”

“From residents, sports user groups, and project partners to staff and contractors, countless people contributed to bringing this vision to life. We look forward to opening the doors on September 12 and seeing the impact the Fieldgate Sports Complex will have on our community for generations to come.”

Amenities include the twin-pad arena, the aquatics centre and a double gymnasium with walking track, as well as community and program spaces and a range of outdoor amenities including sports fields, pickleball and tennis courts, basketball courts, a skatepark and a pump track.

Final commissioning, equipment installation, staff training and site preparations will continue through the summer ahead of the grand opening on Sept. 12.

Prominent home builder Fieldgate Homes signed a ten-year $1.5 million naming rights agreement last fall.

Separate naming agreements were also signed with two Whitby families who each contributed to the project in “significant ways.” The outdoor park will now be named Roybrook Park, while a multi-purpose room inside the facility will be named the Mitchell Room after the former Whitby mayor’s family.