What should Arlington name its newest recreation center? Here’s how to submit your idea

With construction set to begin this month on the active adult center approved by Arlington voters, one thing remains missing.

What to name the place?

The city of Arlington has invited residents to select from a list of proposed names or submit a write-in option in a public poll that runs through Jan. 8. Residents will also have the option to complete a written submission at any Arlington recreation center.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 9. The public is invited.

Arlington parks and recreation staff will give polling results to the municipal policy committee and city council, and the selected name will be released once a determination has been made.

“Public input is paramount to all facets of our capital projects,” Arlington Parks and Recreation Director James Orloski said. “From input provided by Arlington residents that served on the bond committee, to preferences on facility amenities and programming collected during the public meetings, and now to the public poll for the naming of the facility, we want to ensure that all Arlington residents have the opportunity to have a voice in this project.”

The center, approved by voters in a 2017 bond election, is expected to open in winter 2024. It will offer programs and amenities for adults ages 50 and older.

The city’s newest recreational center will be around 74,000 square feet on Green Oaks Boulevard, between West Arkansas Lane and West Pioneer Parkway. Amenities are expected to include a full-court gymnasium, aquatics component for water exercise and leisure, locker rooms, fitness area, walking track, multi-purpose rooms for educational programs and events or sedentary activities, special events space and outdoor patio.

Orloski stressed that, starting with Meadowbrook Park nearly 100 years ago, the city has promoted a high quality of life championed by the parks and recreation department.

“At the core of our mission, we are committed to providing quality facilities and services that are responsive to a diverse community and sustained with a focus on partnerships, innovation and environmental leadership,” he said.

Orloski also noted that the city conducted a citizen survey as part of the master plan update process which revealed that unmet citizen needs exist for indoor facilities and programs, specifically in west Arlington. He said the city fell below the median in DFW and statewide comparisons, as well as in comparison with other medium-low density cities in the U.S.

The five recreation/senior centers in Arlington are two short of the recreation facility level of service standards recommended by the Trust for Public Land for Arlington’s build-out population.

“Senior programming is already a major component of our services and offerings as a department. The need for additional programming and facilities for the active adult population will only continue to rise as demographic trends continue to shift,” Orloski said. “This facility allows us to accomplish those goals and objectives.”

Eunice Activity Center is the only dedicated senior center operated by the city — and that is temporarily closed due to damage suffered in the February 2021 freeze. Eunice is tentatively scheduled to reopen in Spring 2023.

Senior programming is held at the East Library and Recreation Center, and other facilities operated by the city.

Proposed names

The parks department has some potential names from which voters can choose, or voters can make their own recommendation. City officials ask that the focus be on retail/rental instead of honorary. Also, per city policy, the name should be unique, have a lasting significance, be familiar to the majority of the community and be easy to recall.

Suggested names

The GO (Green Oaks): Refers to major thoroughfares near the facility. Acknowledges the prevalence of oak trees on the land. Action name that lends itself well to marketing/advertising campaigns.

The Loop: A nod to Green Oaks as a loop around the city. Speaks to access from the entire city. Double meaning that ties into the recreational component of the facility with the indoor track and workout rotations.

EngAGE: Active words conveying participation or involvement. Double meaning represents active adult demographic (an established Arlington senior group).

Zenith, Peak, or Pinnacle: Conveys the highest or culminating point. Refers to the Active Adult Center as a top-class facility.

This story was originally published January 4, 2023 at 12:36 PM.