Recreation center plays in La Feria

LA FERIA – The 12,000-sf La Feria Indoor Recreation Center located at 901 Pancho Maples Dr. is set to open.

The $1.6 million facility has high-tech insulation and construction features will reduce the air-conditioning expenses, according to John Pearcy, an architect with Megamorphosis.

Water from storm run-off will be directed to a collection system that uses a “rain chain” rather than traditional downspouts to direct rainfall to collection points that will retain it in the ground around the building, rather than away from the site.

Although the youth center has a large multipurpose gymnasium with multiple basketball courts, it also will have a computer center and space for an after-school homework program and adult education programs, according to Steve Brewer, mayor of the city.

A 15,000-sf Federal Emergency Management Agency funded dome-shaped storm shelter is being planned to be built near the indoor recreation. A 20,000-sf domed storm shelter is also planned at 1700 Main St.