In 2019 Voters approved the SPET ballot measure to expand and renovate the community recreation center. The center was originally built in 1994. The voter approval authorized the department to provide fitness facilities, second gymnasium, indoor walking/running track, outdoor splash pad, and an indoor climbing facility. The ballot measured was for $22 million. The department as recently contracted with an extensive consulting team to move this project forward, which includes: Perkins & Will Architects, Hoyt Architects, Wember Owners Representation, Entre Prises Climbing, and GE Johnson Construction.
Staff and the consultant team are taking the program approved by the community and beginning the process of developing designs and plans to bring it to life. In early June the team will be working with community stakeholders in the disciplines of climbing, health, fitness, and social services to better understand what are critical success factors for the project. Staff will be looking for feedback from the community on how effectively we captured the program goals of the project. Following the feedback, the ownership team will refine the designs and begin development of construction documents. Construction is estimated to begin in May of 2022, with estimated final completion being February 2024. During construction, the aquatic facility will remain open to the public.
In addition to the public input on the rec center, the department will be seeking public engagement and input on several other initiatives identified in the departments adopted strategic plan. These projects include the following:
- Wayne May Park Master Plan
- Powderhorn Park Dog Off-leash area
- Miller Park Dog Off-leash Area
- Stilson Park Master Plan
- BLM Land Exchange