WILMINGTON — Attorney Chaley Peelle Griffith spoke to the Wilmington Rotary Club which meets at noon at Damon’s Restaurant on Mondays about the proposed Community Recreation Center.
Griffith stated that conversations started about a Community Recreation Center around two-and-a-half years ago. A feasibility study was conducted and several companies were interviewed. From that was developed the concept of a community center for wellness and recreation.
The target patrons include seniors and children; special attention was given to the three existing fitness establishments in Wilmington so as to complement what they have and are doing, and not complete with them.
Griffith said the proposed site is near Wilmington High School, off Josephine Street. The land will be donated. Griffith also said that patrons will be able to walk to it or take a taxi. Griffith said plans are for a buffer around the center, to minimize the impact to surrounding residents
Griffith stated that the plans are to include aquatics, gym space and an indoor track. Additionally, amenities high on the list include: an outdoor track, warm water therapy pool, a pool with slides and a zero-depth entry into the pool; a community event space. Griffith said the following are also in the plans:
• A facility of about 50,000 square feet
• Three pools, and space would be available to Wilmington High School for competitions and practices
• A group fitness area including treadmills
Griffith said the estimated cost of construction is $24.6 million, including a contingency for ongoing maintenance. The estimated annual operations cost is $1.8 million, proposed to be funded by memberships and rental fees. The ownership structure, and the daily operations staff, are still in discussion.
