In recent years it has become painfully evident that our society has dropped the ball when it comes to managing the development of healthy lifestyles in our young people. Children are leading more sedentary lifestyles. Childhood obesity and Type II diabetes have become epidemic and social disengagement has become a major issue in mental health. It is unfortunate that physical education is no longer mandatory in many of our nation’s schools, and alarming that government agencies are unable to provide adequate facilities for children to recreate and participate in sport.
In a perfect world, governments would provide an ample supply of facilities and programs for children to recreate or participate in a variety of sports.  But it is unrealistic and unfair to expect governments and taxpayers to shoulder this burden alone. So, in order for this to happen, all groups within the community must take some responsibility for providing the opportunities necessary to promote and develop a healthy lifestyle.
Over the past few years, the University of Guelph has acknowledged its responsibility in this regard. An athletic facility master plan was completed and designed to address many of the facility issues facing the university and the broader Guelph community. Although the primary user of the on-campus facilities are students, faculty and staff, the plan considered the sport and lifestyle needs of all of Guelph residents.
Recent initiatives taken by the university have resulted in a considerable expansion of athletics facilities and programs for all community members.
The four all-weather synthetic turf fields, the first in Guelph, have resulted in a considerable expansion of outdoor field use. Scheduling is unlimited and most fields can be used extensively year-round. In June, the new Gryphon Field House opened. It  houses a 200-metre, four-lane track and synthetic turf infield. It will provide winter training opportunities for the thriving track community and numerous other groups. It will also accommodate major events such as conferences, trade shows, concerts and bring visitors to the campus and city.
Renovation of Alumni Stadium will be completed in September. When it’s completed, the stadium will have a new 400-metre, eight-lane track and synthetic turf football-sized field. It will also include a new video scoreboard and lighting for evening events. This facelift will provide an exciting training and major events venue for the university and the community and will be a big home advantage for Gryphon track and field and football teams.
Unlike most arenas in Ontario, the Gryphon Arena stays open 12 months a year. This enables the university to offer an abundance of summer hockey camps and leagues. A recent $1.6 million renovation to the ice plant will ensure that we can maintain our service to the community in the summer and will provide future opportunities for arena expansion and a third ice surface.
It is anticipated that renovation and expansion of the 50-year-old Mitchell Centre will begin in the near future. This will see a 120,000-square-foot addition and renovation to the building. This state of the art facility will have a new fitness centre, events centre with three basketball size courts, 2,500 theatre seats and a suspended jogging track. The venue will also provide studios, a centre for sport excellence and  social spaces where visitors can meet.
The University of Guelph is frequently recognized for its service to the Guelph community. The extensive development of athletic facilities is yet another example of how the university cares about Guelph and has a desire to make it a better place for everyone.
Tom Kendall is director of athletics
at the University of Guelph