Parks and Recreation $30M episode for Grapevine

GRAPEVINE – City officials have broken ground on a $30.1 million expansion project at the community activities center. The center, which is located at 1175 Municipal Way, is planned to reopen in May 2015.

The current recreation center is currently about 48,000 sf, but will grow to almost 108,000 sf with the renovation. The project will add a two-story swimming pool complex, a fitness center, a racquetball court, game rooms, a track and other amenities.

The project will be the largest in the Parks and Recreation Department’s history, according to Director Doug Evans.

The expansion comes as a response to a growing population and residents’ desire for more amenities. In 2000, the city’s population was 42,000, but is now almost 48,000.

As the city’s population grew, the space became more cramped, and the national standard recommends recreation centers provide two square feet per resident.

Users currently pay $35 per year individually or $85 for families. That rate would take on a “cafeteria-style” model in the future, according to Grapevine Recreation Superintendent Chris Smith. Options for users including access to the entire center, just water amenities or everything but the pool will be available.

Listen to Podcast 209 for this story and other real estate stories from around Texas.