Photo credit: Studio SMW
In 2009, a facility assessment was conducted on the aging Kempsville Recreation Center, originally opened in 1977, rating the overall condition of the existing facility as “poor.” Improvements were needed for accessibility and ADA compliance, and the plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems were nearing the end of their lifecycles. The existing pool and associated infrastructure required additional significant renovations.
In 2012, the design team of HBA Architecture, Moody Nolan and Counsilman-Hunsaker conducted a study which included the evaluation of potential cost savings and lifecycle costs associated with retaining the existing pool and other portions of the facility. It was recommended to demolish the existing structure and construct an entirely new building.
In May 2012, City Council approved the Kempsville Community Recreation Center Modernization project. Construction began in 2015 for the new 87,000 sq. ft. recreation center which includes more efficient use of space and is aiming to pursue LEED Silver certification by using a wide variety of environmentally friendly materials and systems for sustainability and to increase energy efficiency
The leisure pool and competitive practice pool are heated through a geo-thermal well system and also backed up by boilers which creates an incredible amount of energy savings..
Programming space includes a 3,700 sq. ft. leisure pool, a six lane, 25-meter competition pool, gymnasium, locker rooms, fitness areas, meeting space, administrative offices, lobby, youth/teen/senior activity space, childcare support, and classrooms.
The recreation center achieved the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for energy efficient design.
Featured in World Waterpark magazine, May 2018 issue
