Holford Recreation Center and Holford Aquatic Center

Garland, Texas
Construction Cost: $32.2 million
Area / Square Feet: 45,780
Occupancy Date: August 2025

Holford Recreation Center and Holford Aquatic Center show how a community recreation project can do far more than replace aging facilities. This project reimagines a long-standing civic site — which previously operated as two wholly independent entities — as one destination. While they can still operate independently, recreation and aquatics are now unified under one clear vision. 

The recreation center is oriented toward the park, taking advantage of mature trees, broad views and generous natural light, shaping a strong relationship between indoor activity and the landscape beyond. A multifunctional breezeway links the recreation and aquatics centers, providing shade, guiding circulation and creating usable outdoor space across seasons. During the swim season, the breezeway operates as part of the pool area as rental cabanas. In the off-season, it provides overflow space for recreation center events and outdoor program space, as well as a protected pedestrian path for park and playground users. 

Inside, the plan is organized around the gymnasium, with activity spaces arranged to maintain daylight, staff sightlines and visual energy throughout the building. The upper-level walking track, fitness area, classroom and covered balcony add another layer of movement and connection to the park. Outside, the aquatics center expands the project’s appeal across ages and interests, with spaces for lap swimming, play, family activity and gathering. 

The project’s composition allows it to feel open, social and easy to use, while also resolving complex site, drainage and circulation demands with real discipline.

Architect of Record

Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects
Dallas, Texas

Aquatics Consultant/Engineer

Counsilman-Hunsaker
St. Louis, Mo. 

Landscape Architect

Studio Outside
Dallas, Texas

Suppliers

Building Systems - Pre-Engineered StructuresUSA Canvas
Building Systems - SkylightsJ&J Roofing - Solatube
Fitness Center - Flooring, Fitness CenterRobbins Sports Surfaces
Fitness Center - Flooring, Group FitnessPLITEQ
Fitness Center - Flooring, Group FitnessRobbins Sports Surfaces
Fitness Center - Free-Weight Equipment Douglas 
Fitness Center - Free-Weight EquipmentFirst Team
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Basketball Backboards/SupportsH2I
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Basketball Backboards/SupportsPorter Athletic
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Divider CurtainsTRW - Modernfold
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - LightingMusco Sports Lighting
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Scoreboards/Timing SystemsDaktronics
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Scoreboards/Timing SystemsH2I
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Scorers TablesDaktronics
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Scorers TablesH2I
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Volleyball Nets and StandardsH2I
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Volleyball Nets and StandardsPorter Athletic
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Wall PaddingPorter Athletic
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Wall PaddingPorter Athletic
Indoor Sports Surfaces - BasketballCanlak Coatings
Indoor Sports Surfaces - Pickleball/Racquetball/Squash CourtsPlexipave
Indoor Sports Surfaces - TennisPlexipave
Indoor Sports Surfaces - TrackRobbins Sports Surfaces
Indoor Sports Surfaces - VolleyballCanlak Coatings
Locker/Shower - LockersSalbury
Locker/Shower - LockersSummit
Locker/Shower - Shower/Toilet Partitions

ASI, Texas Building Specialties - Accurate Partitions

Other: Gymnasium/Field House/Arena

General Lighting - Lithonia, Insight, Designplan, Bega, Mark, Gotham, Finelite

Other: Gymnasium/Field House/ArenaSignage - Benchmark SignHus
Other: LobbyViva Railings Decorative Metal Railings
Other: PoolUnderwater light - Pentair
Other: Pool - Robotic cleaner Ultramax
Outdoor Facilities/Stadiums - Basketball Backboards/SupportsParagon - First Team Sports
Outdoor Facilities/Stadiums - LightingPillar Electric - Musco Lighting
Outdoor Facilities/Stadiums - Sports SurfacesParagon Sports
Outdoor Facilities/Stadiums - WindscreensBall Fabrics
Pools - Access Ramps/StairsSunbelt Pools
Pools - ADA LiftsSpectrum Aquatics 
Pools - Basin SurfaceSpectrum Aquatics 
Pools - Chemical Control SystemsPulsar - Sunbelt Pools
Pools - Cleaners/VacuumsHarmsco, Ultramax -Sunbelt Pools
Pools - CoversSpectrum Aquatics
Pools - DeckSundek - Sunbelt Pools
Pools - EnclosuresSunbelt Pools
Pools - Filtration SystemsNeptune Benson / Xylem
Pools - Lane MarkersCompetitor Swim
Pools - LightingPentair Water - Sunbelt Pools
Pools - Sanitization SystemsPulsar - Sunbelt Pools
Pools - Starting BlocksSpectrum Aquatics 
Pools - Water Play FeaturesSpectrum Aquatics 
Pools - Water Play Features - SlidesSplashtacular