WELCOME TO our new
ATHLETIC COMMONSSCROLL TO VIEW THE NEW SPACE
When it comes to athletics at York, everyone belongs. We know that physical activity fosters wellbeing, balance, and fun. And research shows it’s good for the brain and learning too. York has always aimed to create spaces that nurture wellbeing. But spaces that worked decades ago don't necessarily work today.
“I went home feeling gross on gym days. I don’t like staying in my gym clothes all day." - Melissa, Grade 10
Our old changerooms at 1320 Yonge were built when our school was smaller and our PHE and Athletics programs less developed. These facilities were behind the times. They were cramped - students often came to school wearing athletic gear and left still unshowered at the end of the day. As many as 30 students used the change rooms at one time and there was no privacy. The communal showers went unused, there weren’t enough washrooms, and the space wasn't fully accessible.
"The change rooms got way too crowded and there was zero privacy." - Shawn, Grade 8
York’s new
Athletic Commons changed all that.
Here, students enjoy bright, safe spaces and ample room, giving them individual private changerooms, washrooms and shower stalls, with floor-to-nearly-ceiling-height doors.
Adult supervision is possible through office windows looking onto the space and through interaction with students in the space itself. Like some of our washrooms at the school, the Athletic Commons is gender inclusive. And it uses every square foot of space efficiently, opening directly onto the Gym.
“Whether students are exercising during one of their spares, have gym class, or are squaring off against another team, York’s new Athletic Commons is a secure, hygienic and inclusive hub for students before and after a good workout.”
- Rick DeMarinis, York School Athletic Director
Take a tour of the space:
See more of the new space:
