Where will the new recreation center be located?
The new recreation center will be located at the corner of Morrison Road and Walsh Place, which is the former site of a former carwash.
What type of center will this be?
At an anticipated 40,000 square feet, the Westwood Recreation Center will be a Neighborhood Center. Denver Parks & Recreation has three levels of recreation centers that are determined based on size, amenities, programming and hours of operation: Regional; Local; and Neighborhood.
Will the new recreation center have a pool?
Yes. While the design and features of the pool will be based on community input, there will be an indoor pool as part of the Recreation Center.
What amenities will be included?
The city will ask for public input via a community engagement process during the design phase to help determine specific elements of the recreation center, based on the project budget.
The new recreation center may include an indoor gymnasium, fitness areas for weight-lifting and cardio activities, indoor pool, kid-watch, multipurpose rooms, kitchen, locker rooms, and outdoor areas for recreation activities and community events.
Every recreation center within the Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) system is unique and strives to reflect the needs of the community. The exact types of amenities are now being determined through a robust community engagement process. DPR will also take into consideration current amenities that already exist in the neighborhood as well as coordinate with future projects, like the library and renovations on Morrison Road to ensure we are not duplicating efforts.
What is the project timeline?
- Spring 2021: Launch of design and community input process
- Summer 2023: Groundbreaking
- Late 2025: Grand opening
Timeline subject to change.
How will the community be involved?
A stakeholder’s group made up of individuals representing several interests, including surrounding neighborhoods, Denver Public Schools, local businesses and other city agencies will work to ensure that all necessary voices are represented throughout the planning and design process. In addition, a series of public input meetings will be planned to further refine ideas and develop a final building program and conceptual design.
What will this recreation center cost?
The cost of the Westwood Recreation Center, including land purchase, design and construction is approximately $37 Million.
How was the recreation center funded?
This project is funded through the Elevate Denver Bond Program, approved by voters in 2017 to enhance mobility, safety, and quality of life across Denver.
How will the design of Westwood Recreation Center help to mitigate safety concerns?
Safety is of the utmost importance to Denver Parks and Recreation when designing Westwood Recreation Center. The actual design of the building will attempt to prohibit any loitering or unlawful behavior. The building will also have safety cameras on the interior and exterior. Staff also patrols public spaces while we are open to assist customers and address any issues that come up.