Nepean Sportsplex: Your Guide to Programs and Facilities for Residents

What Programs and Facilities Does Nepean Sportsplex Offer?

The Nepean Sportsplex stands as one of the most comprehensive recreational facilities serving our community. Whether you're looking to stay active, enroll your kids in sports programs, or find a venue for your next event, this post covers everything the Sportsplex offers Nepean residents — from fitness memberships and aquatic programs to ice rinks and community halls. Here's what you need to know to make the most of this local resource.

What Facilities Are Available at Nepean Sportsplex?

The Nepean Sportsplex houses six distinct ice pads, making it one of the largest ice sport facilities in the Ottawa region. Pad 1 and Pad 2 serve as the primary surfaces for hockey leagues and figure skating, while the additional pads accommodate everything from shinny sessions to speed skating practice. The arena complex sits at 1701 Woodroffe Avenue — easily accessible from Baseline Road and the Queensway.

Beyond the ice, you'll find the Nepean Squash Club with seven international-sized courts. Membership runs separately from general facility access, but residents of Nepean receive discounted rates. The club hosts regular tournaments and offers coaching for all skill levels — from beginners learning the basics to competitive players refining their game.

The fitness wing underwent significant renovations in 2022. It now features a 1,200-square-metre weight room with Life Fitness and Hammer Strength equipment. You'll find free weights, cable machines, cardio decks with televisions, and a dedicated stretching area. The space rarely feels crowded — even during peak hours — thanks to the facility's generous square footage.

For swimmers, the Makayla Sault Memorial Pool offers a six-lane, 25-metre tank with a moveable bulkhead. The pool hosts everything from lane swimming and aquafit classes to the Nepean Master's Swim Club practices. There's a shallow entry point for rehabilitation work and a viewing gallery for parents watching lessons.

The building also contains multiple community rooms and a 300-seat auditorium. Local organizations — scout troops, church groups, neighborhood associations — book these spaces for meetings, workshops, and celebrations. The rooms feature projectors, sound systems, and kitchenettes.

How Much Do Memberships and Drop-Ins Cost?

Costs vary based on age, residency status, and access level. Here's the breakdown for Nepean residents:

Drop-in rates offer flexibility for occasional visitors. A single fitness centre visit costs $14.25 for adults. Pool drop-ins run $6.75. Public skating sessions — when available — cost $3.50 for adults, $2.75 for kids and seniors. You can purchase 10-visit passes at a 15% discount compared to individual entries.

Here's the thing — the City of Ottawa runs a Low-Income Recreation Access program. Nepean residents receiving social assistance or facing financial hardship can apply for 50% discounts on memberships. The application process takes about two weeks, and approvals last one year. Details are available through the City of Ottawa's recreation programs page.

What Programs and Classes Run Year-Round?

The Nepean Sportsplex operates on four seasonal registration periods: Winter (January-March), Spring (April-June), Summer (July-August), and Fall (September-December). Registration opens several weeks before each season, and popular programs fill within hours — especially children's swimming lessons.

Aquatics programming represents the facility's busiest category. The Red Cross Swim Kids program progresses through ten levels, from basic water comfort to advanced stroke development. Adult lessons cater to non-swimmers and those seeking technique refinement. Aquafit classes run mornings and lunch hours — the Tuesday/Thursday 9:15 AM sessions with instructor Patricia McAllister maintain a loyal following among retirees from the Trend-Arlington and Centrepointe neighborhoods.

For dryland fitness, the Sportsplex offers over forty weekly group exercise classes. Options include:

• Spin: 45-minute cycling workouts in dedicated studio space with Keiser M3i bikes
• Yoga and Pilates: Mind-body classes emphasizing flexibility and core strength
• HIIT: High-intensity interval training for cardiovascular conditioning
• Bootcamp: Circuit-style classes using weights, battle ropes, and bodyweight movements
• Active Older Adults: Lower-impact classes designed for mobility and joint health

The Nepean Nighthawks ringette and hockey organizations call the Sportsplex home. House league programs run for kids aged four to seventeen, with evaluations in September and tiered divisions ensuring competitive balance. The facility also hosts the Nepean Figure Skating Club, which produces competitive athletes and offers CanSkate — Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program.

Summer camps fill the facility July through August. Full-day programs (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) combine swimming, sports, crafts, and outdoor time at the adjacent Andrew Haydon Park. Extended care options accommodate working parents. Registration typically opens in February, and spots — particularly for the specialized hockey development camps — disappear quickly.

What About Drop-In Sports and Public Skating?

Unstructured recreation time matters to many Nepean residents balancing work and family commitments. The Sportsplex publishes monthly schedules showing open gymnasium times, public skating hours, and shinny sessions.

Public skating operates on a reduced schedule compared to programming seasons. Weekend afternoons typically offer family sessions, while weekday mornings cater to preschoolers and seniors. Check the City of Ottawa skating schedule before heading out — maintenance closures and hockey tournaments frequently interrupt regular hours.

Shinny hockey runs in segmented sessions by age and skill level. You'll need full equipment (helmet with cage, gloves, shin pads) regardless of your ability. Sessions cost $7.25 for adults, and you can pay at the front desk or preload a skating pass card. The Tuesday night 10:15 PM adult session tends to draw competitive players — beginners might prefer the Thursday midday slot.

The gymnasium opens for drop-in basketball and volleyball during designated windows. Bring your own ball or borrow equipment from the front desk with photo ID. Badminton courts can be reserved in advance — call 613-580-2828 ext. 2 — while pickleball has exploded in popularity, with dedicated sessions now running three mornings weekly.

Worth noting: the facility requires all drop-in participants to sign waivers annually. Save time by completing this online through the City of Ottawa recreation portal before your first visit.

Can You Rent Spaces for Private Events?

Yes — Nepean residents regularly book Sportsplex facilities for tournaments, birthday parties, and community gatherings. The rental office handles requests for ice pads, gymnasium courts, pool lanes, meeting rooms, and the auditorium.

Ice rentals start at $275 per hour during prime evening slots. Weekend mornings cost less — around $195 hourly — making them popular for hockey tournaments and figure skating showcases. The facility provides rental skates ($4.50 per pair) and can arrange referees and scorekeepers for an additional fee.

For non-sporting events, the community rooms accommodate 20 to 80 people depending on configuration. Room 3 — with its kitchenette and outdoor patio access — books frequently for retirement parties and anniversary celebrations. The auditorium suits larger presentations, with theatre-style seating and technical equipment available.

The catch? Peak season (October through March) books solid months in advance. If you're planning a spring hockey tournament or holiday party, submit your request early. The rental coordinator recommends six-month lead times for multi-pad ice events.

What Else Should Nepean Residents Know?

Getting to the Sportsplex rarely poses problems. The facility sits adjacent to the Baseline Transitway Station — OC Transpo routes 74, 75, 81, and 82 stop within a two-minute walk. The parking lot contains 450 spaces, though hockey tournaments can overwhelm capacity. Arrive early or consider transit during major events.

Accessibility features include automatic doors, elevators to all levels, accessible washrooms and change rooms, pool lifts for swimmers with mobility limitations, and sled hockey equipment available for rent. The building underwent accessibility upgrades in 2019, bringing it largely in line with current standards.

The Sportsplex Café — located on the main level near the ice pad viewing area — serves coffee, sandwiches, and snacks during operating hours. It's not gourmet fare, but it's convenient when you're supervising kids at practice. Many parents from the Grenfell Glen and Trend Village neighborhoods treat it as their morning social hub.

Lost something? The facility maintains a lost-and-found at the customer service desk. Unclaimed items get donated to charity after thirty days — so check promptly if you've misplaced gloves, water bottles, or equipment bags.

Weather cancellations follow City of Ottawa severe weather protocols. When schools close due to snowstorms, daytime programs typically cancel. Evening activities usually continue unless driving conditions become genuinely dangerous — check the facility's voicemail message or social media for updates rather than assuming.

The Nepean Sportsplex belongs to our community. Whether you're training for a marathon, introducing your toddler to swimming, or looking for a venue for your organization's annual meeting, this facility delivers. Visit in person, explore the program guide, and find your place in one of Nepean's most active community hubs.