APPROVED
From
the beginning...
In
case you haven't heard, Kernersville Parks and Recreation
is trying to provide a facility that will solve many community
needs. A Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan was
created in 2002. One of the greatest concerns brought
to light in that plan was the need for a community recreation
center in our area. In 2004, the Chamber of Commerce
updated the Kernersville 20/20 Plan and only reinforced
that need. In 2005, we submitted a $50,000 request
for a feasibility study and schematic plan for a center
to meet the Town's needs. Our Aldermen approved the
funding for the plan and, we began a nationwide search for
an architecural firm.
In
October, Barker
Rinker Seacat Architecture of Denver, Colorado was chosen
for the job and we are honored to have them on board.
They began focus group meetings in November for the feasibility
study. They met with staff, local government officials
and partnerships, civic, cultural, sports and special interest
groups to find out what they felt where the various needs
that this facility would need to meet. These were
the first of many meetings with the architects and consultants
and one reason that Barker Rinker Seacat was chosen for
this task. They
wanted to create a schematic plan
for
a facility that was tailored to Kernersville.
On
January 19th, 2006, BRS came back to Kernersville.
Their architect met with Aldermen, KPRD staff, students
at East Forsyth High School, several potential partners
and conducted two public meetings for the community and
surrounding areas. In these meetings, the main purpose
was to find out what the people using this facility would
like to have in the facility. After much discussion
and debate, the main focus appeared to be bringing in features
that aren't currently available in Kernersville. BRS
has taken the data from all of the meetings and compiled
a report that reflects the potential cost, size and content
for a community recreation center customized for Kernersville.
They also produced potential models to choose from.
On March 9th, BRS returned to Kernersville and made presentations
at two public meetings and met with Town officials and the
Oversight Committee. They have narrowed down our needs
and provided five potential rough models to view.
They also displayed several examples of local architecture
to show us what type of structure they had in mind.
Again, citizens had an opportunity to choose which large
ticket item they felt would best accomodate Kernersville.
BRS compiled the information and came be back to Kernersville
on June 1st. They presented a floor plan, presentation
and preliminary business plan. The public turnout
was lower than normal but input was good. There was
discussion on the architecture choices and the architects
went back and made some changes. Here is a rendering
of the final project.
Rock
Climbing Wall
Fitness
Area
4
Conference/Banquet Rooms
Indoor
Playground
Walking
Track
MAC
Gym
Wellness
Center
Performing
Arts Center (expansion)
Outdoor
Pool & Water Park (expansion)
Ice Rink (expansion)
The
final and most important meeting was held on Tuesday, August
1st, 2006 at the Kernersville Board of Alderman Meeting.
This was a public meeting and a great amount of community
support was present. The completed plan was presented
to the Town Aldermen. Eleven very different people spoke
in favor of the project and only one spoke against the project.
After very few questions and quite a few positive
comments, the Aldermen unanimously approved the project
that was presented.
The
Kernersville Parks and Recreation Staff would like to thank
everyone that has supported this project.
This
project is for you. To view a virtual tour of the
proposed facility, click here KPRD
CRC.
Contact
KPRD at 336-992-0804 for more information.
