Moorhead Recreation Center

Aurora, CO
Construction Cost: $12.1 Million
Area / Square Feet: 38,645
Occupancy Date: July 2017

The existing Moorhead Community Center was built in 1975 and renovated in 1988. With almost 30 years in its current state, the facility was outdated and in need of another renovation or replacement to support its growing membership. During the design process, the city established the following goals for the facility: to promote health and wellness, to provide a safe place for students to go after school, and to offer the community a place to gather and connect.

These goals drove the programming and design of the expansion to include a gymnasium, fitness spaces, locker rooms, a community room, a teen room and a party/babysitting room. A central locker room, accessible just off the main lobby, serves both wet and dry areas of the facility. The updated exterior creates pedestrian connectivity and a safe entry and exit for patrons. The revamped center aims to serve residents of all ages and has seen a positive response to the expansion and renovation and a dramatic increase in usage from the community.

The facility melds the concepts of connection, convergence, confluence and community together into an energetic and joyful gathering space. The exterior relates to the story of the neighborhood by adhering to these themes and guidelines through such design elements as the glazed light boxes and bay windows.