There is 100+ years of sporting history at 1 Donald Street (formerly the members-only Rideau Tennis Club). This summer will mark the third year that this property is open to the public with 10 weeks of Summer Camps across many sports offered by the new Rideau Sports Centre (RSC).
“We’re really excited to launch our third year of Summer Camps, showcasing our incredible Downtown Playground, situated on 4 acres in the heart of the city”, says Nicki Bridgland, CEO and Founder of the Rideau Sports Centre.
The facility features a state-of-the-art Tennis Dome, Multi-Sport Dome and Outdoor Dek Hockey facility. Families can choose a dedicated Sport Camp in Tennis, Basketball, Soccer, Dek Hockey – or enjoy a variety of sports in the Multi-Sport Camps. Every day the campers are guaranteed an outdoor swim in the pool, weather permitting.
In 2017, Bridgland hired a Program and Camp Manager with deep roots in delivering children’s camp programming, and who was able to bring along many seasoned counsellors he had worked with in the past.
“Our camp staff’s enthusiasm level and their experience working with children is phenomenal,” Bridgland says. “I feel so proud of the team we have built over the last two years.”
At the end of recent March Break Camps, the feedback forms filled out by parents received an average score of 5 out of 5.
“I know we are delivering a fantastic experience for all campers aged 4-17 years old,” adds Bridgland, who is also the Founder of the Ottawa Sport and Social Club.
Lunch Plans & Extended Day Childcare popular with parents
Also home to after-school children’s Sports Programs during the school months, RSC strives to be as accommodating as possible to parents’ needs.
Included with Summer Camp registration is childcare from as early as 7:30am and as late as 5:30pm (formal programming runs from 9:00am-4:00pm). RSC offers multi-week and sibling discounts. A lunch plan for the week is available from The Bridge Public House, the incredible restaurant onsite, for those parents wishing to free up some time.
An important element of RSC Camps is the GiveBack program, in which 20 free camp spots are given to families in need through partnerships with recLink and Vanier Community Service Centre.
“It’s nice to be able to open the doors to all socio-economic backgrounds, and make sure we’re supporting everyone in our local community,” Bridgland indicates. “It’s been wonderful to witness the transformation of this historic property from a private members-only club to a property which is fully open to the public.
“We’ve got a magnificent community here, and we’re looking forward to having more new people come experience everything that makes this a welcoming environment.”
For more information, visit www.rideausportscentre.com or call 613.749.6126.
