Feasibility study: Gaithersburg shows need for multigenerational recreation center; estimated cost about $43 million

A feasibility study presented to the Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council on May 12 concluded the city has demonstrated demand for a multigenerational recreation facility that would combine senior, youth and general recreation spaces. Danny Wilson, a consultant with Barry Dunn, told the council the study found existing facilities "do not fulfill" the combined needs and recommended a single facility designed to serve multiple generations.

The study matters because it ties program demand to capacity shortfalls across the city’s current inventory and lays out preliminary cost and site considerations. The report estimated a total construction cost in the low $40 millions and projected annual operating costs of about $1.6 million against conservative annual revenue of roughly $380,000, figures council members and residents described as “sticker shock.”

Consultants described the study’s scope as: evaluate whether there is community need for a multigenerational facility; identify gaps in current programming and facilities; outline an architectural program and site criteria; and produce a pro forma operating estimate. The team said outreach produced 634 contributions via two stakeholder meetings, three focus groups, a public meeting and an online project site; consultants also reviewed facility inventories and drop-in/registration data. "There is a need for a multigenerational recreational facility," Wilson said during the presentation.

Consultants…