Parker Rec Center

Parker, CO
Construction Cost: $16 million
Area / Square Feet: 8,800 renovation | 25,500 expansion
Occupancy Date: August 2015

Population boom
After undergoing a population boom that saw a town of 10,000 in 1994 swell to nearly 50,000, the Town of Parker needed to update its existing recreation center, which was underserving the community’s needs. With population growth showing no signs of slowing, city officials decided it was time to reinvent the recreation center. The new facility added 25,500 square feet of space and renovated 8,800 square feet — doubling the size of the aquatics center — at half the cost of building a new facility.

Unique destination
One of the key drivers for design was the city’s desire to make the aquatics center a destination with attractions that are unique to the region. The expansion of the center’s aquatics space offered a unique salute to one of the state’s most popular outdoor activities. A new climbing wall was built above a deep splash pool so users can climb and fall back into the water. It’s one of the only such amenities in the state. Natural daylighting and use of color throughout the facility add a sense of energy and vibrancy.

Success now and later
Before even reopening its doors, excitement for the renovated recreation center led to a 20 percent increase in facility memberships. The expanded space offers the Town of Parker a recreation center built to withstand its current needs, and those of future generations.

COMPONENTS

  • Warm-water therapy pool
  • Zero-depth entry pool with a water play structure
  • Lap pool
  • River current channel
  • Water slide
  • Rock climbing wall with a splash pool

 

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