Without a Main Street or centralized retail/dining hub, there was always a need for a space in Pembroke where residents could come together as a community. Architects designed the new community center to combine the city’s outdated Recreation Department building with the Council on Aging’s Senior Center. Designers studied efficiencies generated by not having to duplicate spaces, as well as the impact of sharing spaces that are conveniently used by these groups at different times.
The first floor contains dedicated senior center spaces and COA offices. Senior residents can enjoy a quiet lounge, a multipurpose classroom and a café area. The recreation department utilizes the second floor with spaces for recreational staff, arts and crafts rooms, wellness spaces, a fitness room, a dedicated game room and additional program space for the community. The large gym features two high school regulation courts with divider curtains and a walking track above.
The town green is an integral part of the indoor/outdoor programming of the new facility. The green has paved walking paths and lighting for safe nighttime use. Due to its centralized location, circulation paths branch off from the center’s parking lot to several nearby town buildings. On the west side of the green, a new concert gazebo was designed for musicians and performers. The gym was designed to work with the green in a cohesive manner, as its large barn door mechanically opens to the green to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor play.
Architect of Record
Bargmann Hendrie ± Archetype
Boston, Mass.
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