[Archived] Park and Recreation Commission to Hold Public Hearing on a New Charles Houston Recreation Center

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	November 17, 2005 PIO# 330-05/sjm	Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

Park and Recreation Commission to Hold Public Hearing
on a New Charles Houston Recreation Center

The City’s Park and Recreation Commission will hold a Public Hearing to receive comments on the proposed concepts regarding the new Charles Houston Recreation Center tonight, November 17, at 7 pm, at the Charles Houston Recreation Center located at 901 Wythe Street. The Commission’s regular scheduled monthly meeting will follow the public hearing.

At its meeting on Tuesday, October 25, City Council requested that staff work with the community on two possible designs for a one-story new recreation center that would replace the almost 30 year-old Charles Houston Recreation Center. The Council also agreed with the recommendation that the outdoor swimming pool be replaced with a similar pool that meets accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities.

Of the two single-story design concepts developed for consideration and feedback from the community the first concept proposes a linear design fronting on North Patrick Street. This concept includes an outdoor swimming pool that is located in a courtyard, an expanded gymnasium, space for senior programs, a game room and a multipurpose room. Other program elements include a dance studio, kitchen, expanded weight/fitness room, preschool space, a boxing ring, a library/computer room, and a craft room.

The second concept proposes an L-shaped building fronting on North Patrick and Wythe Streets with the same program elements as the first design option. The pool is located in approximately the same location it is currently, but becomes more visible with the new orientation of the building.

Both concepts provide on-site parking. The project construction is scheduled to begin in late 2006 with estimated completion in late 2007. Due to construction, the center may need to close. Alternate locations are being explored for the provision of recreation services for the Charles Houston community.

For more information on the Public Hearing and the regular monthly meeting, please call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.838.4842.

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