05/13/2026
Hey Kinners! At the end of April this year, the School of Kinesiology said its goodbyes to the Osborne Centre, our home for decades prior. As we finalize our move into the new Gateway building, lets take a moment to revisit and learn more about our previous home🏠
What started in 1970 with the opening of Osborne Unit 1 soon became a state-of-the-art home for UBC’s School of Physical Education. Named after Robert Osborne, a renowned BC athlete and educator, Osborne’s legacy is deeply rooted in UBC history—from playing basketball at UBC and representing Canada in the 1936 Olympics, to coaching cross country and leading UBC’s basketball team to the 1948 Olympic Games, all while serving as Director of Physical Education for 33 years.
Over the decades, Osborne has been home to many programs and events, including UBC School of Kinesiology’s Active Kids and Bodyworks. In Gym B East, Active Kids has welcomed around 1,200 children and youth each week across its on-site programming and outreach spaces, such as community center’s. In Gym B West, Bodyworks began offering the Changing Aging exercise program for older adults after acquiring it in 2004, and the program has continued to support the community ever since. Together, these programs show how the Osborne Centre has served as an important hub for community and connection🧑🧑🧒🧒
Beyond recreation, Osborne has also played a key role in academic learning. Teaching labs and courses, such as KIN 235 exercise physiology 1, have used this space and its equipment to bridge classroom learning with hands-on experience🏃♀️📚
Now, as the School of Kinesiology finalizes it’s move into the new Gateway Health Building, we take a moment to reflect on our time at Osborne—and the experiences, growth, and memories that were built within its walls.
Drop a comment below of your favorite memories of the Osborne Centre💚💚
