University and college to serve students world-class tennis centre

Oshawa, Ont. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College will serve students with a world-class tennis centre as part of their commitment to providing first-rate athletic facilities and a vibrant student life. Construction of the new facility at the Oshawa campus is set to begin in December.

Scheduled to open in early 2003, the tennis centre will serve students and staff at the college and new university, as well as athletes and residents in the Durham Region. Completion of the tennis centre will signal the first phase of a major new athletic infrastructure to be built on campus.

"We're currently working on exciting plans for major athletic facilities on campus which could include a pool, soccer field, gymnasium, fitness centre and, indoor and outdoor ice pads," says Gary Polonsky, president, University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College.

The year-round centre will feature six clay (Har-Tru) tennis courts and be outfitted with a dome in the winter months. The centre is expected to host provincial and national level tennis tournaments and attract top-rated athletes from across the province. It will be located on the university campus north of Conlin Road.

"We're thrilled to be building a world-class tennis facility right in our own backyard," says Ken Babcock, athletic director, University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College. "Access to a variety of high-quality athletic and recreation facilities is an important part of the college and university experience for our students."

The centre is available to players of all ages and will offer a number of community-based programs including one that will allow elementary schools to teach their students how to play tennis.

"For the first time, elementary school students in Durham Region will be able to experience tennis at a very young age as part of their curriculum," says Ken Crosina, a co-ordinator of the new centre and a founder of the Ontario Tennis Association's Elementary School Program.

The new centre will also be home to the Oshawa Tennis Club and its members. To enquire about memberships, call Ken Crosina at 905.424.1301 or e-mail durhamtenniscentre@rogers.com.

What's tried and true and what's brand new

As Canada's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology will provide a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research and hands-on skills. The university will offer nine degree programs and will share selected facilities with Durham College. Currently under development in Oshawa, Ontario, the university will welcome its first students in September 2003. For more information, visit the Web site at www.uoit.ca or call 1.866.844.8648.

For 35 years, Durham College has been committed to providing job-focused programs, accomplished professors, quality-driven innovation, student success and superior accountability. More than 5,600 full-time students and 23,000 part-time students are enrolled at Durham College. The college employs 1,000 staff in Durham Region. For more information, visit the Web site at www.durhamc.on.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.