Here’s a first look at what the PenMet Rec Center will look like, how to comment
PenMet Parks officials shared designs for the new community recreation center and asked for input at a recent open house.
“Your feedback is such a critical part of this process,” PenMet Executive Director Ally Bujacich said at the virtual meeting Jan. 26.
Architects with Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture described how the facility will have an elevated track for walking and jogging, and a gym with space for three basketball courts, three volleyball courts or up to nine pickleball courts, with drop-down curtains to mix-and-match.
The building will also have a multi-purpose indoor turf field, and a room to rent for parties and meetings, which may open to the lawn outside.
There will also be a multipurpose room for fitness classes, meetings and other activities.
The Cushman Trail will be extended to run along the facility, and windows on that side of the building will let trail users get a glimpse of what’s happening inside.
Those watching the meeting sent comments after the presentation. They raised issues such as bike racks, facilities to accommodate younger kids, and space for senior activities. They also asked for pet waste bag dispensers and receptacles along the trail, and suggested PenMet consider permeable pavement in the parking lot, among other input.
“In terms of next steps, the design is continuing with an emphasis on preparing the documents required to submit for permits,” Bujacich told the Gateway via email. “… Looking ahead, community engagement will continue to be an important part of the process, and we envision subsequent community meetings and outreach to continue the conversation.”
The center is planned for the site of the former Performance Golf Center at 2416 14th Ave. NW.
Bujacich said the first phase of the project, which is renovating the former building into administrative and meeting space, is expected to be finished this year.
“The project team is determining the timeframe for the second phase, construction of the new building, but we would expect that work to closely follow Phase 1,” Bujacich wrote.
Altogether, the roughly 64,000-square-foot project is budgeted to cost $31.6 million.
“The new building is anticipated to be a pre-engineered metal building,” Bujacich wrote. “The design team evaluated several different structural systems and determined a pre-engineered metal building is the most cost-effective system for this facility.”
Comments about the design can be sent to info@penmetparks.org.
