Introduction:

The discussion of an indoor recreation center started in the late 1980s with the location debated for many years. In 1996, the Department of Parks and Recreation conducted a public survey of needs. The top three indoor recreation needs identified were: aquatic center, space for teen programs, and a gymnasium. In January, 2005 the plan was updated and states that these needs can best be met at three locations: Memorial Auditorium (upgrade for expanding current uses); Leddy Arena (aquatic center); and the Armory (community recreation). The City has received voter approval to expand capital improvements and the City Council has designated $250,000 per year for four years to invest in upgrades Leddy Park Ice Arena and the Armory.

Goals:

1.      Provide space for the Parks and Recreation Department to program for a variety of activities- especially those requiring a gym

2.      Allow for a family aquatic center, which has been a long time publicly desired facility and is not available anywhere else in the area

3.      Provide community accessible multi-purpose meeting space

4.      Create a methodology for taking care of necessary building maintenance

5.      Make City facilities accessible to persons with disabilities

6.      Configure buildings for more intensive use by multiple users, for concerts and recreation

Strategies:

1.      Memorial Auditorium receives necessary building infrastructure, maintenance and repairs; renovations to allow for accessible use by persons with disabilities and an addition enhancing its ability to offer multi-purpose recreational and performance events in a downtown location.

2.      Gosse Court Armory is renovated to become a community recreation center providing gym space, multi-purpose space and middle school teen programming that is accessible to the New North End.

3.      Leddy Arena  Phase One includes capital improvements that are required to modernize and upgrade the existing 32 year old facility. Phase Two includes programmatic renovations to the existing building that may add hockey team rooms, upgrade the snack bar/skate changing room, improve access control and the location of the pro shop. Finally, an addition to the building would be made to include a family aquatic center, locker rooms and an elevator to make the building accessible to all users.