Parks and Rec begins its largest project ever

Cramped spaces at the current center and residents' desire for more amenities spurred the decision to expand, Evans said.

An aquatics center, multi-generational programming and new design will give the center a much-needed upgrade, Evans said.

"Trends have changed," Grapevine Recreation Superintendent Chris Smith said. "We're trying to change with the time."

Improving quality of life

Growing to about 108,000 square feet, the newly renovated center will boast a two-story swimming pool complex, a

fitness center, a racquetball court, game rooms, a track and other amenities.

By January 2015, the renovations should be complete, Smith said. The aquatics portion of the remodeling will take an additional four months, Smith estimated, meaning that by May 2015 the center should be fully complete.

The scale and scope of the project will be the largest in the department's history, said Evans, who has been employed with by the city since 1993.

"It's one of the biggest municipal projects ever," he said, mentioning the new $38 million public safety building as a recent contender.

At the same time Grapevine City Council approved the money for the recreation center renovations, it also approved nearly $40 million in bonds for a new public safety building.

Fee increase coming

With new amenities come fee increases, Smith said, although he was not sure how much the increase would be at this time.

Users currently pay $35 per year individually or $85 for families. That rate would take on a "cafeteria-style" model in the future, Smith said. Options for users including access to the entire center, just water amenities or everything but the pool will be available, he said.

No matter what form they take, Evans is confident the rates will be some of the lowest in the area.

"[City] Council wants to give back to the citizens because it is their tax dollars," he said. "[They] want to keep [fees] as low as possible."

Temporary center in the meantime

With the current center closed, a temporary one has been opened at the Old Winfree Academy building at 1250 William D. Tate Ave. featuring nearly all the amenities residents have access to at the current center.

Officials tried to keep the current center open during construction, but that was not possible because of the scale of the construction, Evans said.

With 20,000 square feet, the temporary location, which opened March 1, has the fitness equipment and all the classes that the previous location did.

A community under one roof

A new, refurbished center that caters to all ages will further unite the community, Smith said.

"The goal of the center has always been to bring families together," he said.

There will be a "wow" factor when residents set foot in the new center, Evans said. "They're going to be pretty much awed."

Renderings of the center are available on the city's website at www.tx-grapevine.civicplus.com/documentcenter/view/1204.