Located at the corner of Preston and Somerset streets, the Plant Recreation Centre is in the heart of Centretown. It was closed and renovated in 2004 and from the outside the 1920s-style neo-gothic brick layout of the original building offsets with the newly built side.
The first thing visitors notice is the variety of animal statues hanging from the ceiling and along the walls. The 14 birds and fish placed around the lobby are meant to represent the peaceful underwater world, along with the families, children, and diverse groups of the community involved with the centre.
The underwater world theme is fitting, considering the centre is home to a Semi-Olympic 25-metre swimming pool, as well as a leisure pool.
Originally called the Plant Bath, and named for a former Ottawa mayor, the centre has pools constructed in the 1920s that were intended to offer bathing opportunities in the lower-income neighbourhoods.
The original structure features a gabled parapet, cut stone entrance details, large windows, and a bas relief of a boy holding a fish. Until it was renovated from 2001 to2004, it had only one pool – the second pool was added to the rear during the renovations.
Despite being established more than 80 years ago, the centre has been able to maintain a modern outlook and serves the community with up-to-date services and functions. On top of the swimming pools and a playground in the back, the centre provides rental opportunities that include a large main hall with a kitchen facility as well as meeting rooms.
For those in the community looking for their workout, the centre offers new weight and cardio rooms, and mini soccer field.