In 2009, Counsilman-Hunsaker, in association with HBA and Moody Nolan, provided a market analysis, feasibility study, program development plan, schematic designs, and preliminary project cost estimating services for the development for a new community recreation center. Aiming to become the centerpiece for a four school campus in the Western Bayside area of the City of Virginia Beach, the entire planning and design process included extensive public involvement to guide neighborhood specific program requirements and to begin the process of stakeholder buy-in.
In 2012, the City of Virginia Beach celebrated the grand opening of the 71,000 sq. ft. Williams Farm Community Recreation Center located in Williams Farm Park. The center includes a multi-purpose recreation pool, double basketball court-sized gym with retractable bleacher seating for 200, a group exercise studio, and a large elevated running track with views into the pool, gym, lobby and park.
The recreation center achieved the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for energy efficient design.
Highlights of the center’s green initiatives include: integrating water quality, site development, sustainable green building design, and operating practices for environmental stewardship & energy efficiency.