Sports Complex

Wondering what the huge hole and all those piles of dirt on campus are for? Chris Power, Student Union President, was able to give me an update on the plans for the new com- munity sports complex, and yes, it is now officially under construction!

The University of Prince Edward Island in coordination with the Capital Area Recreation Inc. (CARI) has developed the plan for this project which will service both the community of Charlottetown as well as UPEI's staff and students.

Although this facility will be © located on the campus of the University, it will be identified and run strictly as a community based organi- zation by CARI. UPEI will be desig- nated a set number of hours to host their own events at this new facility.

The cost of the new complex is expected to total 18 million dollars with the completion date planned for January 2004. UPEI has committed to contributing 2 million dollars as well as the land needed to complete the facility.

Included in the construc- tion plans is a space for additional parking. McAdam field will be the site for this new parking area, which will be used by both UPEI and the new sports complex.

The balance of the expected costs will be financed through both

By Laura

government programs and fundraising campaigns. UPEI has already begun some if its own fund raising efforts in support of the construction of this immense project.

The new sports complex will include two 25 metre pools and two skating rinks. The construction of one pool, as well as both rinks, will include stadium seating in order to accommo- date local special events and competi- tions. The designated "event pool" and

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If a decision is made bo close or delay opening the UPEI campus, details will he available as follows:

Radio Stations: Radio announcements by 7:00 am if possible, and throughout the day when required: CFCY/CHTN/Magic 93, CBC Radio, and C102 (Summerside).

UPEI Hotline: A recorded message, by 7:00 am if possible, on the UPEI hotline with updates as necessary throughout the day at 894-2882

UPEI Web site: An urgent notice, in red, at the top of the news and events bar of the UPEI website,

www.upei.ca

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one rink will seat 500 people; with the additional rink seating 1200 people.

The larger of the two rinks will be a "top loading" arena, which means the entrance to the seating area will be located at the top of the rink and will run down in rows all the way to ice level.

This rink will also include a multipurpose room located above the rink which will overlook the ice-sur- face. This room will be made avail-

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Sunday, Jan. 2 All you can eat CHILI!

Under Construction at UPEI

able for special event bookings. As an added bonus to the community, this project will also include a Seniors Active Living Centre.

The new sports complex will be located on the site of the old Barn, and will be physically connected to the existing sports centre. Although this addition will enhance the aesthetic value of the existing sports centre, funding has been strictly allocated to new construction and will not be used to upgrade any of the services already available at UPEI's existing centre.

Though it is unfortunate that UPEI's sports centre will not be receiv- ing a well-needed upgrade any time soon, students will be encouraged to know that included in the construction plans for this project is a space for additional parking. McAdam field will be the site for this new parking area, which will be used by both UPEI and the new sports complex.

It is still under negotiations whether this parking area will be included in the "day pass" category for students or whether a separate system will need to be put in place in order to control usage.

The new complex is a valuable addition to both UPEI and Charlottetown's sporting activities and is the beginning of many exciting events to come. Although construction has just begun, it won't be long before we are cheering in the stands of our new community sports complex! I'll keep you posted!