The Kenan Center and campus provides Lockport and the Niagara region with a cultural and recreational gem. A living legacy to the Kenan Family, the facilities welcome friends and neighbors year-round. Regular public use results in wear and tear; activities change. The proposed building project replaces an exhausted arena that has served us all so effectively. Now its time to grow into the future with a new home for recreation, education and cultural programs and experiences.
The key structure for Building a Healthy Future is designed for both athletes and families to house recreation, training and community events.
FIELDS AND COURTS
Soccer and lacrosse will enjoy new fields for players of different ages and the original arena floor will be re-installed to create venues for pickle ball, basketball, baseball, volleyball and more. The entire campus from the new arena to the outdoor amphitheater will be available to host events.
EDUCATION
The Kenan welcomes residents to buildings and grounds that serves as a canvas where staff and facilities work with residents to create community while Building a Healthy Future. The new Arena & Civic Center will be home to the relocated Montessori preschool.
SITE LINES AND FLOW
The plan embraces best practices for environmentally-friendly construction, pedestrian and traffic flows, curb appeal using berms and landscaping techniques. Safety concerns associated with campus “cut-through” traffic are addressed by a more circuitous layout with ample traffic calming measures. A direct pedestrian link will be created between the Kenan House and campus arena, passing through an inviting park-like environment with Daisy’s Adventure Garden.
Programs will be based on the following points of pride.
SPORT SAMPLING
A MULTI-SPORT programming model focuses involving participants in SPORTS with a focus on FUN and physical literacy DEVELOPMENT. By providing multiple sports, kids (and adults alike) can find their FAVORITES as they GRAVITATE to one sport and will have had opportunities to try others.
DIVERSITY & EQUALITY
Access and EXPOSURE to a VARIETY of sports is often limited in UNDERSERVED communities. In order for kids to ACHIEVE their full POTENTIAL, physical activity needs to be integrated into their lives on a CONSISTENT basis.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
We believe that SPORTS and RECREATION offerings are a critical component to serving our kids HOLISTICALLY. Sports inspire lifelong HEALTHY habits in kids, but also build CHARACTER, social skills and improve EDUCATIONAL outcomes.
REINTRODUCE FREE PLAY
Experts recognize the opportunity to reintroduce FREE PLAY where possible. “To promote lifelong, intrinsically MOTIVATED sport participation, it is imperative to build a FOUNDATION during childhood. Inclusion of high amounts of DELIBERATE play activities early in DEVELOPMENT provides that MOTIVATIONAL foundation.”- Jean Cote, Sports Psychologist.
