PORT ARANSAS, Texas — Although Hurricane Harvey delayed the creation of a recreation center in Port Aransas, the City is now in the process of building one soon.
Parks and Recreation Director Colleen Simpson said building the center is a big milestone for the city and said it will include several features including office administration space for a few departments.
"There will be fitness amenities like workout equipment, and a group exercise room, a giant gymnasium -- full scale NCAA size," Simpson said. "We're hoping to get a second story walking track as part of the facility the budget will determine whether that gets included or not. There is multi-purpose space that can be divided into small rooms where out youth programs will take place."
According to Simpson, the rec center will be a one-stop shop with physical fitness amenities, a big difference from the city's community center which is simply a meeting space.
Project architect Raymond Gignac said the 35,000 square foot building will be designed to withstand storms and will include natural materials to complement the Coastal Bend environment.
"The facility is going to be kind of a hub for the community and the fact that it's going to be connected to the existing pool which is a really beautiful pool and it's going to be one master plan area for recreation," he said.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2025 and could take about 18 months to complete. During the construction, Gignac said the community will still be able to access the amenities in the area.
He added that final plans will be presented to city council soon with the hope to begin construction in February or March 2025.
Gignac said at the moment, the architect firm is working with the city on a budget for the center.