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Decatur presents progress photos, designs and accessibility additions for new recreation center
Summary
City staff showed construction photos and 3‑D renderings of Decatur's new recreation center, including a 25‑meter, 10‑lane pool with touchpad timing, a four-floor gym with walking track, and an adjacent inclusive playground addition estimated 'upwards of $280,000.' Officials said programming details will be released 60–90 days before opening.
Decatur City staff presented a progress update on the new recreation center during the Jan. 20 work session, showing photos and 3‑D renderings and outlining next steps for programming and public access. Hunter Allen, parks and recreation, described the building layout, construction milestones and accessible features.
Allen said the facility will include a four-floor gym with a walking track, multiple courts and meeting spaces, plus a natatorium with a 25‑meter, 10‑lane pool and a touchpad timing system. "We're very excited about this, and I think it's something that Decatur can truly be proud of," Allen said. He added that local swim teams are optimistic the pool could host district and state meets because of its size and timing capabilities.
City staff provided photographs showing interior framing and initial sheetrock installation and described circulation and parking improvements tied to the site. A monthly budget-to-actual report produced by Feit (shared with the mayor and some council members) was cited as the project's financial check-in; staff described the report as a tool to match site progress with spending and provide estimated completion dates.
Allen also discussed outdoor amenities. The design includes two adjacent playground areas: an original playground and an "all inclusive play" addition that staff said is "upwards of $280,000" for the inclusive portion. The inclusive area will use a flat, rubberized, no‑barrier surface to allow wheelchair access and will include shade structures to mitigate heat. "We're working with people in the local community who have a vested interest in the playgrounds," Allen said, noting the design is not final and may be modified.
On programming and operations, Allen said staff plan to release a programming schedule and open registration when they are 60–90 days from a chosen grand‑opening date. "Our goal is to increase our programs and offerings early in '26 so that when we open, we can be somewhat full speed ahead the day we open," he said.
The presentation also noted interior features such as locker rooms and a mezzanine overlooking gym spaces, a spectator seating area at the natatorium and flex rooms for classes or meetings. Staff emphasized accessibility and community use alongside competitive opportunities.
The next steps identified were continuing construction, refining playground designs with community stakeholders, finalizing a budget reconciliation in the monthly report and scheduling program releases closer to the projected opening.
