Nestled in the vibrant heart of York University’s Keele Campus, the Toronto Track and Field Centre in North York stands as a premier destination for athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. Known as one of North York’s best sporting venues, this facility combines state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor facilities that cater to both amateur and professional training needs. With a legacy dating back to 1979 and a reputation for hosting top-tier competitions, including national and OUA championships, the center has become synonymous with excellence in the athletic community. Whether you’re looking to join its dynamic programs, explore its world-class amenities, or witness some of the finest athletic events in the city, the Toronto Track and Field Centre offers a comprehensive experience for all visitors. Dive in to discover why this iconic venue is the pride of sporting venues in North York.
Location and Contact Information
The Toronto Track and Field Centre in North York is situated at 231 Ian MacDonald Blvd, North York, ON M7A 2C5, Canada. This prime location within York University’s Keele Campus makes it easily accessible for both local and visiting athletes. For direct inquiries, you can contact the facility at 416-392-2522. Additional contact and program registration details can be found on the official City of Toronto website.
Socials
Accessibility: The Toronto Track and Field Centre benefits from its convenient position with ample parking spaces available on the York University campus. Visitors using public transportation can access the center via multiple TTC bus routes that connect to the university grounds, ensuring easy travel to one of North York’s best sporting venues. The combination of on-campus parking and public transit makes it a hassle-free location for those interested in exploring sporting venues in North York or participating in training and events at this premier facility.
History and Background
The Toronto Track and Field Centre in North York first opened its doors in 1979, originally known as the Metro Toronto Track and Field Centre. Over the years, it has cemented its place as one of North York’s best sporting venues, contributing significantly to both local and national athletic communities. The center has hosted numerous prestigious events, including OUA and National Championships, showcasing its importance within Canada’s sports landscape.
In 2016, as part of the legacy of the TO2015 Pan Am Games, the facility underwent significant renovations. This expansion project included extending the indoor track’s straightaway by 60 meters and the addition of a High Performance Centre. This newly created 2,800 sq. ft. training and recovery space was designed to support national team athletes, further solidifying the center’s status as a key location for high-caliber athletic training among sporting venues in North York.
Facility Overview
The Toronto Track and Field Centre in North York spans a substantial 14-acre site, providing a mix of indoor and outdoor facilities in North York that cater to athletes of all levels. The expansive layout is designed to support both everyday training and large-scale competitions, making it a cornerstone among sporting venues in North York.
The indoor facility features a fully equipped fieldhouse that supports a variety of track and field events, weight training, and meetings. It also includes specialized areas such as pole vault and high jump sections, a 200-meter banked oval track, and a warm-up runway. The outdoor component includes an 8-lane, 400m Olympic regulation track with areas for javelin, discus, shot put, and more.
The Toronto Track and Field Centre is managed by the City of Toronto, in collaboration with York University and the track and field community, ensuring it continues to serve as one of North York’s best sporting venues for local and national athletes alike.
Indoor Facilities
The Toronto Track and Field Centre in North York boasts an impressive indoor fieldhouse capable of accommodating over 900 people, making it a prominent part of sporting venues in North York. This space is designed for comprehensive athletic training and competition, providing essential resources for both amateur and professional athletes.
Key amenities include a 5-lane, 200m banked oval track that features a high-quality synthetic rubberized surface and an 8-lane, 60m sprint and hurdle runway. The facility also supports specialized training with pole vault, high jump, and long/triple jump areas. For strength and conditioning, there are well-equipped weight training rooms with Olympic free weights, weight lifting machines, and additional exercise equipment.
Other notable indoor features include an observation gallery for spectators and two meeting rooms suitable for team discussions and event coordination. Recent enhancements include the addition of a High Performance Centre, a 2,800 sq. ft. space providing advanced training, conditioning, and recovery amenities for national team athletes. These facilities position the Toronto Track and Field Centre as a leader in indoor and outdoor facilities in North York.
Outdoor Facilities
The Toronto Track and Field Centre in North York features extensive outdoor amenities, reinforcing its status as one of North York’s best sporting venues. The centerpiece of the outdoor area is an 8-lane, 400m Olympic regulation track made with a durable synthetic rubberized surface, ideal for high-level training and competitions.
Surrounding the track are designated practice areas for various field events, including javelin, discus, shot put, and hammer throw, catering to a full range of athletic disciplines. This comprehensive setup allows athletes to train for multiple track and field events year-round.
For spectators, the outdoor facilities provide substantial bleacher seating that can accommodate over 2,500 people, ensuring ample space for fans during events. Although not typically used for inter university competitions, the outdoor track is frequently utilized by the York Lions athletes and other participants during the summer for training purposes. These well-maintained indoor and outdoor facilities in North York host a range of notable events, further establishing the Toronto Track and Field Centre as a premier destination among sporting venues in North York.
Programs and Events
The Toronto Track and Field Centre in North York is known for its diverse range of programs that cater to athletes at all levels. The center facilitates daily training sessions, offering comprehensive support for both professional and amateur athletes.
The venue is also a hub for numerous special events and competitions throughout the year. Annually, the Toronto Track and Field Centre hosts over 80 special events, drawing approximately 200,000 visitors and participants. These events range from regional meets to significant national-level competitions, highlighting the facility’s role as a key player in the local and national sports scene.
Registration Information
Registering for programs at the Toronto Track and Field Centre in North York is straightforward, with multiple methods available to suit different preferences.
Methods of Registration
- Online Registration: The fastest and most convenient way to secure a spot in your chosen program. Online registration opens at 7:00 a.m. on the start date specified for each session and remains available until the program’s first day.
- Touch Tone Registration (TTR): Call 416-338-0000 between 7:00 a.m. and midnight starting from the registration date up to the program’s start. Once a program begins, contact 416-338-4386.
- Operator-Assisted Registration: Register with a Customer Service Representative by calling 416-338-4FUN (4386).
- In-Person Registration: Visit a designated civic or community center to register in person on the registration day or between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from the day after registration until the third session of the program.
Additional Amenities and Services
The Toronto Track and Field Centre in North York provides a range of essential amenities that enhance the overall experience for athletes and visitors alike. The facility is equipped with locker rooms and showers to support comfort and convenience, ensuring that athletes can easily prepare for and recover after training sessions or competitions. A designated first aid area is also available on-site to address any immediate medical needs, contributing to the safety and well-being of all visitors.
One notable service at the center is the Alan Eagleson Sports Injuries Clinic, which offers specialized care and support for athletic injuries. This clinic is an asset for athletes seeking treatment or rehabilitation, reinforcing the center’s role as a comprehensive training and recovery hub. These services, combined with its top-tier indoor and outdoor facilities in North York, make the Toronto Track and Field Centre a complete athletic venue that prioritizes both performance and health, solidifying its reputation as one of North York’s best sporting venues.
Partnerships and Affiliations
The Toronto Track and Field Centre in North York maintains strong partnerships that enhance its role as a premier training facility. One of its primary collaborations is with York University, under whose Keele Campus the center is located. This partnership includes supporting the York Lions Track and Field Team, which regularly uses the center for training and development. The center’s location and shared goals make it an integral part of the university’s athletic programs.
Additionally, the Toronto Track and Field Centre is affiliated with Athletics Canada, serving as a training venue for national team athletes. The 2016 addition of the High Performance Centre has further solidified its importance in supporting high-level training and conditioning for national and international competitions. These partnerships position the center as a significant contributor among sporting venues in North York, bridging local training needs with elite, national athletic programs.
FAQs
- What type of facilities does the center have?
It offers extensive indoor and outdoor facilities in North York, including tracks, training rooms, and field event areas. - Is parking available at the center?
Yes, ample parking is available on the York University campus. - What amenities does the center provide for athletes?
It includes locker rooms, showers, weight training rooms, and a first aid area. - Does the center have services for injury treatment?
Yes, the Alan Eagleson Sports Injuries Clinic is located on-site for specialized care. - What is the seating capacity for spectators at the outdoor track?
The outdoor bleacher space can accommodate over 2,500 spectators. - Does the center host annual events?
Yes, it hosts over 80 special events annually, attracting around 200,000 visitors.