KINGSTON, Ont. (June 7, 2012) – Queen's Athletics & Recreation will assist The City of Kingston during the closing of Artillery Park Aquatic & Fitness Centre this summer to avoid a disruption in the City's aquatic programs and member services.

Artillery Park will close June 30, 2012 to undergo a series of renovations and upgrades that will provide the aging facility with a much needed facelift and an overhaul of all mechanical systems. Artillery Park is a primary aquatic facility for the Kingston area, and The City of Kingston chose to partner with Queen's Athletics & Recreation Centre (ARC) to accommodate the individuals affected by the closure. Queen's ARC will also provide access to their state-of-the-art fitness equipment, services and amenities for the summer of 2012.

“We are pleased to be in a position to offer assistance to the Artillery Park Members and City during the facilities renovation period,” states Leslie Dal Cin, Director, Athletics & Recreation, Queen's University. “We look forward to welcoming the Kingston community to our first class facility and to providing our new community members with the opportunity to explore our facility, when they otherwise may not have an occasion visit the ARC.”

“We know our members will really appreciate being able to use Queen's University's excellent athletic facilities and pool over the course of the summer. The University has really come through for the community and we thank them for continuing to demonstrate this kind of support for the city,” says Wally Ferris, Director of Recreation and Leisure, City of Kingston.

The City and Queen's Athletics & Recreation Centre are collaborating to ensure a smooth transition for Artillery Park members. Current Fitness Centre members and individuals already registered for aquatic programming will receive a letter from The City outlining steps to transfer to the ARC. The letter includes details on programming, timelines and the necessary forms to transfer services to the ARC.