Community Invited to Help Name Future Southeast Recreation Center, East Library and Recreation Center
Help the City of Arlington name two new public facilities by taking a short survey for each. Each survey offers two name choices offered by the Arlington City Council as well as an opportunity to write in a suggestion. The survey links will be open for 14 days. Following the surveys, results will be given to council and the new chosen names will be announced late Fall 2019.
East Arlington Recreation Center and Library
This collaborative project between the Parks and Recreation and Libraries departments in East Arlington will be the first of its kind in Arlington. The co-facility will replace the existing Hugh Smith Recreation Center and East Branch Library. Both of those locations will remain open during the construction process.
The 47,249 square foot facility is set to open in Fall 2020. Funding for the $26 million project was approved by Arlington voters in the 2014 Bond Election.
Context for naming considerations:
- Park plaza shopping center was the heart of East Arlington and first modern retail center.
- Multiple cultures and nations coming together within the corridor.
- First center designed to meld recreation and library services in one location.
- Modern curvilinear architecture with a nod to 50’s era General Motors vehicles.
New Southeast Recreation Center
The 36,000-square-foot-facility is set to open in Summer 2020 and will include dynamic indoor and outdoor spaces including a gymnasium, fitness and weights area, aerobics and dance studio, classrooms, childcare, skatepark, adventure playground, outdoor aquatics feature and walking trail on the 12-acre site.
Funding for the project came from the 2014 bond program, which included a total of $60 million towards parks and recreation projects.
Context for naming considerations:
- Webb Community - Obelisk landmark memorialized at Collins Street/Mansfield Webb Rd.
- Architecture includes prominent two-story atrium lighting, evoking a beacon or lighthouse.
- Access to recreation programs and events will enhance the sense of community in Southeast Arlington.
The East Arlington Recreation Center and Library and the Southeast Recreation Center projects align with the City Council priorities to Champion Great Neighborhoods and Support Youth and Families.
Residents are encouraged to visit the City's bond tracker website for construction timelines and capital project updates.
Champion Great Neighborhoods, Bond Program
News, Parks & Recreation