New H.G.R. Mews Community Centre

The new H.G.R. Mews Community Centre, located at 60 Blackler Ave, will open September 15, 2025. 

Fall recreation programs will take place at the new facility. Registration for residents for recreation programs will begin on August 7 at 7 a.m. and swimming lessons registration will take place on August 26 at 7 a.m. For residents from other municipalities, registration will begin on August 12 for recreation programs and August 28 for swimming lessons. 

A recreational swim schedule will be released as we get closer to the opening date. 

This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in the health, recreation and sustainability of our community. On this page, you can learn more about amenities, accessibility features, rentals and what you need to know about the move to the new facility.

About the Facility

Spanning 60,000 square feet, the new H.G.R. Mews Community Centre offers a wide range of amenities designed to meet the diverse needs of our residents. When entering the facility, you will be greeted by a large and welcoming reception area, with secure access to building spaces.

The facility has dedicated spaces for the BGC of St. John's and the REAL Program. In addition, the facility houses the City’s recreation staff from the former H.G.R. Mews Community Centre and a leased space on Crosbie Place into one centralized space.

Below are some photos and descriptions of the standout features in the new facility. Photo credit: Lindsay Construction. 

Pool Area

The pool is located on the second floor of the building and includes a number of standout features:

• A 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool with a rock climbing wall in the deep end of the pool.
• A leisure pool with a bubble bench and interactive water features.
• A steam room (hours of operation align with the pool schedule). 
• Electric switchable glass in the pool viewing area for privacy.
• A large aquatic viewing area on the second floor with access to pool deck seating.
• Inclusive and accessible gender neutral changerooms and separate male and female changerooms are located near the main pool. Barrier-free washrooms, plenty of showers and lockers are available for pool users.

Walking Track

The 100 meter indoor walking track overlooks the gym area and has three lanes, one acting as a passing lane. 

Full-Size Gymnasium

On the first floor, there is a large, full sized gymnasium equipped with hardwood floors, which is great for sports like basketball, pickleball, volleyball, soccer and other sports activities depending on physical requirements.

Convertible Courts

Two convertible courts are available for squash, handball or racquetball. A spectator viewing and seating area is located outside the courts and coin operated lockers are available. 

Multi-Purpose Space

There are two multi-purpose rooms with an operable partition wall and shared kitchen to accommodate functions such as family reunions, birthdays, wedding/baby showers, etc.

Accessibility Features

The new facility is equipped with a number of accessibility features, including:

• Accessible parking and drop off (10 spaces, as well as a van stall)
• Accessible, gender-neutral washrooms and change spaces
• Automated entrance
• Adult size change table
• Child size change tables
• Elevator
• Courtesy wheelchair
• Lower service counter
• Assistive listening device
• Large print wayfinding signage with text, symbols and Braille in a matte finish
• Color contrasting transition edging on the stairs
• Private customer service area available upon request
• Child protection seats in changing area
• Zero depth beach entry to leisure pool
• Ramped entry to lap pool
• Water wheelchair
• Canadian Tire Jumpstart Inclusive Playground
• Accessible community garden
• Metrobus stop (route information to be provided prior to opening)

Outdoor Amenities 

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Playground

At over 11,000 square feet, this is the largest inclusive play space in St. John’s welcoming kids of all abilities to play. The play space was built using universal design principles and with input from the City’s Inclusion Advisory Committee. From double-wide ramps to barrier and transfer-free equipment, it is thoughtfully designed to accommodate physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities. For all features visit the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Playground webpage. 

Community Garden

The new H.G.R. Mews Community Centre will include an accessible community garden with an edible orchard thanks to funding support from Tree Canada. The orchard will include a variety of apple, cherry, plum and pear trees, with a total of 60 trees being planted on site. Once established, the orchard will provide fresh fruit for the community to enjoy, promote local food security, and support the City’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Know Before You Go

The facility will be open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Here are a few items you should be aware of before visiting the new facility once it opens:

• The new facility will not have coin operated lockers in the swimming area, rather you will required to bring your own lock. Locks will be available for purchase at the front desk. The squash, handball & racquet ball lockers will be coin return operated (quarter coin).  
• The walking track will be open during regular hours of operation but may close for cleaning as needed. 
• The steam room will follow the public swim schedule. 
• Recreation, rental and swimming fees will remain the same. Admission to the steam room is the same admission price for a public swim and is valid for the duration of the swim time only. 
• Admission for the walking track is $2 for youth and seniors and $3 for adults. Multi-session passes are also available at a discounted price for 10, 20 and 30 admissions. 

Rentals

The City is accepting requests for pool party bookings and gym rentals.

Requests for gym rentals will be accepted until September 5, 2025. Please note, gym rental requests will be allotted accordingly after the September 5 deadline.

For more information, please call 709-576-8499 or email Recreation@StJohns.ca. 

Squash/Racquetball/Handball court rentals will be available for booking starting Sept.15, 2025.