Grapevine’s $30 million recreation center nears completion

On Nov. 6, 2012, voters approved a general obligation bond issue for the proposed sale of almost $70 million in bonds for two projects — construction of a public safety building that is underway and an expanded community recreation center scheduled to open on April 25.

The vastly upgraded multi-generational recreation center was named by the City Council “The REC of Grapevine” — for recreation, education and community. The former Community Activities Center will increase in size from 48,000 square feet to 108,000 square feet.

And supporters said the $30 million quality of life project is coming along swimmingly.

“I thinks it’s a great facility that benefits all the citizens of Grapevine and allows everybody old, young and in between to interact with, learn from and enjoy each other,” said Mayor Pro Tem C. Shane Wilbanks, who is the city liaison to the city’s Parks & Recreation Department.

Wilbanks said the size won’t be that grandiose for a city of about 50,000. But he said what’s inside those walls is “way above average.”

“It’s state of the art,” the mayor pro tem said.

The REC became part of the city’s future when voters gave the OK in 2012 to Proposition No. 2 for bonds to add 60,000 square feet to the longtime Community Activities Center.

It will include a senior center, indoor pool, multipurpose rooms, game room, lockers, meeting rooms and other amenities.

Plans include a state-of-the-art senior activities center — something Mayor William D. Tate has been a huge fan of since its inception.

An advance tour was given March 17 of the facility, and the nearly 100 visitors had to use their imagination due to quite a bit of construction.

Tour guides said goals included creating a “wow factor” for Grapevine.

“We wanted a wow factor not just in terms of the amenities but of the visuals,” City Councilwoman Sharron Spencer said. “We have great visuals. They have a great impact. The colors are so happy.”

Spencer said the community center will “make people feels good and make them want to come and it will foster a healthier lifestyle.”

Features include:

Aquatics

Roughly 175,000 gallons of water will circulate for aquatics use inside the new indoor aquatics facility.

A large slide tower will offer two different ride experiences (starting indoors, sliding outdoors and landing in a run out near the base of the slide tower).

The kid’s zone will have a zero depth entry, a kid’s climbing and play feature and a wet play zone climbing area.

Lazy river lap lanes will aid in aquatics fitness and exercise, with an abundance of seating and lounge space throughout.

Men’s and women’s locker rooms and a family changing area are available for everyone, including those with a caregiver.

Fitness

The fitness area will expand from 2,000 square feet to more than 7,000 square feet.

It will feature new, state-of-the-art equipment, multiple exercise rooms for fitness classes, private fitness assessment rooms, an updated elevated walking track, an indoor children’s themed playground, a dedicated childcare room and dedicated birthday party rental rooms.

Fifty-five and Better

The current Senior Activities Center will also blend into the recreation center with a kitchen and lunch room area. It will include a community room/event hall, lounge areas, fireplace, computer lab and classroom space.

During construction, the old center has been closed and a satellite location set up until renovations are complete. Programs, exercise equipment and staff operations are available at 1250 William D. Tate Avenue, Suite 100. Memberships are available there.

Annual passes for Grapevine families is $300 and for individuals is $120. Annual passes for non-residential families is $780 and non-resident individuals is $440.

Along with Proposition No. 2, also passed was Proposition No. 1 for bonds to construct a public safety building to house the city’s municipal court, police detention center, law enforcement facilities and fire headquarters. That project is under construction.

This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 9:32 AM with the headline "Grapevine’s $30 million recreation center nears completion."