Situated in Toronto’s East End, Monarch Park Collegiate Institute wanted to extend the use of their existing outdoor running track to allow for all-season use, after-school programming for the community, and an array of new facilities to support different sports.

The solution is a seasonal, inflatable bubble dome that encloses the track in the winter months and a permanent linear clubhouse building to house the new programming. The dome provides the maximum usefulness, flexibility, and impact for its budget. During the colder months, it is inflated, heated, and supports lighting for extended use. During the summer, the dome is stored so that the track benefits from the open air.

The clubhouse provides the entrance into the track year round. Acting as the reception it also provides community spaces, showers, bathrooms, change rooms and offices.

Due to the temporary nature of the structure, this was new territory for both the Toronto School Board and the City of Toronto. As a result, it required extensive negotiations regarding both planning permissions and building code.