C.K. Ray Recreation Center Renovation and Addition
Conroe, Texas
Year in Showcase: 2012
Project Description
In response to the needs of a rapidly growing community, the City of Conroe's Parks and Recreation Department commissioned a renovation of and addition to the city's existing recreation center. Built in the early 1970s as a YMCA, the building was purchased by the city in 1986 to serve as Conroe's recreation center. With the latest renovation, the facility -- nicknamed "The Rec" -- has gained increased functionality and visibility.
The Rec benefits visually from the renovation and addition on both the interior and exterior. Long and narrow dividing corridors that did little to connect activities within the building defined the original interior. Now, The Rec is a highly functional facility with appropriately sized program spaces and internal connections, as well as abundant daylighting. Existing locker rooms, the gymnasium and fitness areas were remodeled to update the facility and maximize existing space. New areas include administration offices, a 3,000-square-foot cardiovascular fitness center and the Kid Zone.
The original nondescript recreation center is now unrecognizable behind its new addition. Reinforcing the updated look is a bold color pattern on the exterior facade, which wraps inside to visually connect the lobby to the new entrance plaza. The entrance plaza serves as a direct, protected circulation path between the recreation and aquatic centers, while small outdoor seating areas bordered by landscaping provide areas for conversation and visual interest.
Project Details
Architect of Record: Brown Reynolds Watford Architects Inc.; College Station, Texas
Construction Cost: $4 million
Square Feet: 30,380
Occupancy: September 2011
Vendors
Court Panels/Glass Walls: A Best Enterprises Inc.
Flooring, Aerobics: Gerflor Taraflex Sports Flooring
Flooring, Fitness Center:
Roppe Holding Company
