New community centre and library a gem for Markham (PHOTOS)
A new community and recreation hub in Markham has only been open for a few months, and it is proving to be a flagship public space for the city.
Aaniin Community Centre & Library at 5665 14th Avenue spans 125,000-sq-ft of floor area, with an aquatic centre featuring a six-lane, 25-metre pool, a leisure pool with splash areas and lazy river, therapy pool, and hot tub.
There is also a large gymnasium with an elevated running track, fitness gym, studios, rock climbing wall, a two-storey public library branch, and unique programmed spaces, such as a multi-sensory room for children with developmental disabilities, teaching kitchen, and a creative Maker Space equipped with a 3D printer and laser cutter.
It also offers community health services and career training services to support Markham’s immigrant community.
All of these spaces are interconnected by a large indoor town square and communal atrium space with an amphitheatre-like setting that can host events and other programming.
The facility was designed by the local office of Chicago-based architectural firm Perkins+Will and constructed at a cost of $54 million. Markham’s large Asian community was extensively consulted, and elements of the building’s design – featuring warm wood materials – reflect the community’s culture.
See also
- Toronto's largest community centre to be built in North York (RENDERINGS)
- Toronto might be getting a Rob Ford Memorial Stadium
- Toronto is turning a downtown parking lot into a brand new park
- This is what two new Toronto waterfront parks could look like (RENDERINGS)
- Toronto is developing plans for downtown Indigenous Centre
- A new 8-acre Toronto park with an outdoor skating rink is opening next year