A renovation project costing $15.9 million and funded through the 2021 bond will address several needs to the building, pool area and exercise rooms within the Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center, said Susie Hergenrader, assistant director of recreation for Plano Parks and Recreation. The recreation center is the most frequented by individuals, drawing around 500,000 people per year, she added.
What you need to know
According to a project update, it will be the largest renovation to the recreation center since it opened in 2007. Hergenrader said improvements are focused on the recreation center’s existing footprint, and there will be expansion as a result of the work.
“Our community has communicated to us time and time again that what’s most important to them is maintaining the facilities in place,” Hergenrader said.
The project is in its design phase, she added, and construction documents are nearly complete. After the design phase, city staff will present a contractor contract for the renovations, Hergenrader said.
The specifics
Improvements to the building structure include several components, Hergenrader said.
- Replacement of the HVAC system
- Repairs to the roof and plumbing
- Updates to LED bulbs for parking lot and building lighting
- Fire and PA systems updates
- Fresh paint for flooring and interior walls
- Refurbishments to cabinetry
- Necessary additions to bring the building into current Americans with Disabilities Act compliance standards
- Resurfacing of the walking track and recreational gym
Upgrades are also planned for the pool pump and motor, pool area deck, water slide towers, and pool shade structures, Hergenrader said.
“We want to make sure that we’re providing for our community facilities that are well-maintained,” Hergenrader said. “When we can combine maintenance projects with renovations, there’s a lot of savings as well as less impact to the public.”
What’s next?
Hergenrader said the approval of a contractor contract will likely go before Plano City Council in June. She added that staff will look to order any long lead time items as soon as possible after approval to avoid extending the project.
The recreation center will close for the renovation project in February, Hergenrader said, adding that recreation membership pass holders have access to all other recreation facilities, except the High Point Tennis Center, included. It should reopen around the end of October or early November 2025.
“It’s always exciting when that facility reopens and we welcome patrons back,” Hergenrader said. “They always appreciate the clean, pristine look that the renovated facility has.”
