Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center

The Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center is a state-of-the-art community recreation center providing a central hub for health, wellness, recreation and art for Allen’s underserved west side. The center brings the community together in an inclusive environment that fosters vitality and human connections. It features cuttingedge amenities, including a competition gym with eight courts, a multilevel indoor playground, an outdoor fitness deck, an adventure track and a gallery space for local artists. Designed to be inclusive and community-focused, it offers a wide range of programs — from youth sports to adaptive fitness — providing opportunities for all ages and abilities. 

The center’s design was conceptualized during a robust 12-month feasibility planning process with multiple steering committee meetings, public input sessions and community surveys. This ensured that the center’s programming met the needs of a broad range of Allen residents. Essential to the facility’s success is serving multiple demographics, with programming for children, families and adults of all abilities. Designed as a “community living room,” it includes both large and small gathering spaces, fostering a sense of belonging. 

A hallmark of the design is an indoor/ outdoor connection as the center anchors the new Stephen G. Terrell Community Park. The center has visual connections to adjacent forest areas with trails, a large outdoor event lawn, and smaller gathering spaces that bring people together. Within the design of the center are features that tie back to the surrounding park, such as the stylized tree-house-inspired indoor playground, art work, graphics and custom exterior screen walls that shade and protect users inside from the harsh Texas sun. With its diverse offerings and thoughtful design, the center exemplifies Allen’s commitment to creating meaningful, community-oriented spaces that inspire residents to live their best lives.

Architect of Record

Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture

Dallas, Texas

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