The City of Arlington is proud to announce the selection of a design for the future East Arlington Recreation Center and East Arlington Branch Library.

The project, which is a collaborative effort between the Parks and Recreation, Libraries, and Public Works and Transportation Departments, is the first of its kind in Arlington and will replace the existing Hugh Smith Recreation Center, which was opened in 1963 as a YMCA, and the East Branch Library, the City's busiest and oldest library.

Funding for this $26 million project, which will be built at Bob Cooke Park, was approved by Arlington voters in the 2014 Bond Election. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the project completed by spring 2020.

To create a single building with two distinct functions, architects were inspired by the architecture and automotive designs from the 1950's and today. The intertwining of curved and angular elements, joined by a shared lobby, creates a state of the art facility that honors Arlington's history while providing a modern space for present and future generations.

The open concept library is expected to include children and adult book sections tailored to support patrons' interests, dedicated space for seniors and the public to use technology. The recreation elements of the center include a gymnasium, fitness center, indoor pool, community meeting rooms, and outdoor amenities.

The East Arlington Recreation Center and East Arlington Branch Library project aligns with the City Council priorities to Champion Great Neighborhoods and Support Quality Education.

"With the scan of one library/recreation center card, guests will have access to a menu of programs and services offered by both the Parks and Recreation and Library departments," Parks and Recreation Director Lemuel Randolph said. "Applying for a job, registering for school, catching up on the latest news, taking an aerobics class, hosting a pool party or sharing a lunch with friends can now all take place in one east Arlington location."

The City of Arlington offers residents an interactive Bond Tracker website, filtered map, updated stories and videos on construction projects, and complete list of the Capital Budget Planning and Project Sequencing for the 2014 Bond Program here.

Each project will be updated on the website and the City will post stories, videos and pictures of the progress of those projects.

Related article:

• Design Work to Begin on Bond Funded East Arlington Recreation Center/Branch Library Project