The Kinsmen Sports Centre is a municipal recreation complex located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Operated by the City of Edmonton, the facility is situated within Kinsmen Park adjacent to the University of Alberta campus. The centre comprises several athletic venues, including the Kinsmen Field House, an indoor track and field facility, and the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre (formerly known as the Kinsmen Swimming Pool).
History
Construction of the Kinsmen Sports Centre began in the early 1970s, and the complex officially opened in 1974. The name derives from the Kinsmen Club of Edmonton, a service organization that contributed financially and supported the development of the facility. The centre was a primary venue for aquatic and indoor track events during the 1978 Commonwealth Games hosted by Edmonton.
Facilities
- Kinsmen Field House: Provides a 200‑metre indoor running track, multiple gymnasiums, a weight‑training area, and space for court sports such as basketball and volleyball.
- Kinsmen Aquatic Centre: Features a 50‑metre competitive swimming pool, a 25‑metre training pool, a diving well with platforms and springboards, and a leisure pool with water features.
- Additional amenities include fitness studios, a climbing wall, and meeting rooms available for community programs and events.
Programs and Usage
The centre offers a range of public and private programs, including swim lessons, competitive swim clubs, track and field training, fitness classes, and recreational leagues. It also serves as a venue for provincial and national sporting competitions, school physical‑education activities, and community gatherings.
Management
The Kinsmen Sports Centre is managed by the City of Edmonton's Parks and Recreation department, which oversees maintenance, programming, and community outreach. Funding for the centre's operations is derived from municipal budgets, user fees, and occasional sponsorships.
Significance
As one of Edmonton’s major indoor sport and recreation facilities, the Kinsmen Sports Centre plays a key role in supporting active lifestyles, hosting athletic events, and providing accessible sport infrastructure for residents of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.