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Design plans for park restrooms and new Norfolk Fitness & Wellness Center move forward after ARB recommendations
Summary
Staff presented design proposals for restroom replacements at Berkeley Park and Northside Park and the proposed Norfolk Fitness & Wellness Center at Newport Avenue; the Architectural Review Board recommended approval on each project with 8–0 votes, and staff outlined materials, signage and site layout details.
Planning staff presented three park and recreation facility proposals: a prefabricated restroom replacement at Berkeley Park (706 Avenue), two new restroom pavilions and entry signage at Northside Park (8401 Tidewater Drive), and a new Norfolk Fitness & Wellness Center at 7300 Newport Avenue.
The Berkeley Park plan replaces an aging restroom with a prefabricated front-gable structure that will have two doors on the main elevation, a rear utility chase and horizontal fiber-reinforced cement lap siding. Staff showed the proposed color palette (dark blue, gray and cream) and a floor plan. The Architectural Review Board recommended approval 8–0.
Northside Park’s proposal includes two new restroom pavilions: one replacing the facility serving the three baseball diamonds and a second pavilion in the park’s southeastern portion to support a splash-pad mechanical room. The pavilions will use Fundermax Neolytic exterior panels. The application also proposes a monument entry sign along Tidewater Drive measuring 4 feet 8 inches tall by 13 feet 6 inches long with acrylic lettering; ARB recommended approval 8–0.
The Norfolk Fitness & Wellness Center proposal would demolish the existing building while preserving wetlands and mature trees, and replace it with a two-story facility that includes an auditorium, library, gymnasium, natatorium, and spaces for fitness and community meetings. The design calls for brick veneer and horizontal wood‑grain metal panels, aluminum storefront glazing, canopies and a central plaza integrated with surrounding neighborhoods. Proposed signage includes a prominent monument sign at the Newport Avenue entrance (3 feet tall and 12 feet long) and smaller informational signs in the nature explorium; ARB recommended approval 8–0.
Ending: The projects advance with ARB recommendations and will continue through the city's design and permitting processes; staff said the proposals respond to community requests to improve restroom facilities and to provide a multiuse neighborhood wellness center.
