Hugh Smith Recreation Center and Indoor Pool to Close in October in Preparation for East Library and Recreation Center Grand Opening

By Arlington Parks and Recreation

Posted on September 30, 2020, September 30, 2020

It is the end of an era and the start of something new along New York Avenue as Arlington Parks prepares to close the doors on the beloved Hugh Smith Recreation Center. Though the community is saying farewell to this east Arlington staple, which originally opened in October 1969 as a YMCA facility, residents will soon be able to enjoy a variety of services and amenities at the state-of-the-art East Library and Recreation Center, which opens in November.

The Hugh Smith Recreation Center, located at 1815 New York Ave., will close to the public on Monday, Oct. 5. The Hugh Smith Indoor Pool will close Saturday, Oct. 10. During this time, all other city recreation centers will remain open to the public. The closest recreation centers to Hugh Smith Recreation Center are the new Beacon Recreation Center (7 mi/15 mins) at 1100 Mansfield Webb Rd., and Dottie Lynn Recreation Center (5 mi/15 mins) 3200 Norwood Ln.

 Arlington Parks and the Arlington Public Library are excited to announce that the grand opening of East Library and Recreation Center is set for Monday, Nov. 9. The community is invited to attend the 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting celebration for the 47,249 square-foot facility, located at 1817 New York Ave. at Bob Cooke Park.

 The celebration will include guest speakers, light refreshments and staff-guided tours. Visitors are asked to observe social distancing guidelines. A mask or face covering is required.

 The grand opening celebration will also be streamed-live on Arlington Parks Facebook. 

 The new recreation center will include a gymnasium, 113,000-gallon indoor pool with party room, fitness and aerobics rooms, locker rooms, community meeting rooms, a senior lounge and outdoor amenities.

 The open concept library is expected to be a community hub for shared resources such as books, children’s toys, and public computers for Arlington residents. The library will provide literacy resources to support students, families, and lifelong learners. Free programs include bilingual early literacy storytimes; GED, ESL, and other adult education classes; and events for seniors.

 Arlington voters approved $26 million for the new East Library and Recreation Center in the 2014 bond program. Architects were inspired by the architecture and automotive designs from the 1950s and today, to create a single building with two distinct functions.

 For more information about the award-winning parks and recreation amenities available across The American Dream City, please visit www.arlingtontx.gov/parks.