Dartmouth Sportsplex Revitalization

Dartmouth, NS

This project involved extensive renovations to an existing recreation facility. Constructed in the 1980s, the facility had aged to the point where it could no longer fully serve the needs of the community.

Improvements included the construction of a new gymnasium sized for two basketball courts; renovated locker / change rooms; new entrances and lobby spaces; new fitness / cardio rooms, childcare facilities, and meeting rooms;  and repainting / replacing the existing metal roofing. Significant improvements were also made to the pool area including the replacement of the existing water slides and therapy pool; and the addition of an aquatic climbing wall and a splash pad. The main pool also received a Pool Pod, a user-controlled pool lift that provides dignified pool access to individuals with mobility difficulties, including those that must use a wheel chair.

With these renovations, the Sportsplex was transformed into a modern, accessible recreation hub that is sure to be a fixture in the community for many years to come. Shortly before the grand re-opening, the facility was renamed the Zatzman Sportsplex, in honour of a generous donation received by the Zatzman family.

This project was awarded an Award of Merit in the Large Building category at the 2021 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence Architecture.