Branch Connection to reopen May 12; preview May 8, grand opening June 10

Jess and parks staff told the board the Branch Connection building is nearing turnover and will reopen in mid-May. Jess said the department has scheduled a preliminary walkthrough with park board members, council members and senior advisory board members on May 8, and that regular operations are planned to begin on May 12.

“May 8, we invite all of you park board members, in addition to the city council and the senior senior advisory board, to have a preliminary walk through of the facility. ... open the doors for regular operations beginning May 12,” Jess said. She added that the team expects a certificate of occupancy after final inspections and will stage movement of equipment and boxes so programs have minimal interruption.

The recreation and senior programs will transition back into the building over several weeks; the scheduled grand opening with public programming is set for June 10. Staff indicated some classes and the dance program will shift back on a staggered schedule to avoid service interruptions.

Facility work completed or underway includes interior finishes, landscape work, parking lot restriping and exterior power washing. Jackie, the facility manager, and operations staff were described as prepared to move into the building once the certificate of occupancy is issued.

Action and timing: No formal board action was required; staff reported schedules and invited board members to the May 8 walkthrough and June 10 grand opening. The reopening remains subject to final inspections and issuance of a certificate of occupancy.