Recreation Center Project
Recreation Center Project Updates
August 2026
The Design Development Phase of the new recreation center project is complete. While the design is largely solidified, constructability details will still need to be established through the Construction Document Phase. The 50% CDs were submitted on July 31st which included updated design drawings and outline specifications. These updates are largely influenced by the Value Engineering exercise the leadership team participated in to help maximize the overall project value. Different aspects of the project were analyzed with the goal of reducing unnecessary costs while also maintaining or enhancing the performance of those aspects of the facility. The exercise, which was done over two meetings, targeted value opportunities in the design finishes and building envelope as the mechanical, electrical and plumbing elements are already scaled back and minimal in a recreation center design. Ultimately, six design modifications were approved, resulting in just over $100,000 in savings compared to the original drawings.
Township staff met with representatives from MKSD, Boyle Construction and HBE for the “page turn” of the 50% Construction Documents on August 18th. The purpose of the page turn was to allow the Township staff to review items within the set and have the option to make changes to the drawings before finalizing construction documents. The meeting went well, with no major changes made to the plan. The following are a few of the upcoming tentative milestone dates; the submission of the 90% CDs on September 30th, 100% CDs on October 30th, and presentation of the CDs to the Board of Commissioners on November 9th. Bidding is expected at the end of the year with the demolition of the existing structures tentatively expected at end of March 2027 and completion of the project in April 2028.
April 2026:
During the April meeting of the Recreation Center Advisory Committee, representatives from MKSD Architecture met with the members to present the latest exterior and interior renderings of the new facility. MKSD also brought along building material samples so the committee could view and discuss the various options. Exterior stone and corrugated metal samples along with interior floor, tile, wall and color scheme options were presented. After some discussion, a few decisions were made, most notably for the gym and multi-purpose room, a synthetic flooring option was chosen. MKSD was also tasked with creating new renderings reflecting a possible wood-look lobby/hallway floor and a modified color scheme. Updated exterior and interior renderings are available below. The Design Development phase is coming to a close with the Budget Estimate due at the end of May. The Recreation Center Advisory Committee will meet again on Thursday May 7 at 6:00pm
March 2026:
Bi-weekly design meetings are ongoing with Township staff, MKSD Architecture, Wilson Engineering and Boyle Construction. Significant progress has been made with respect to the floor and site plans for the facility, proposed exterior and interior renderings have also been submitted and are available to view below. The Recreation Center Advisory Committee gathered in early March to view and discuss a presentation of these concepts by MKSD. The Committee will meet again in April to review sample building construction materials such as exteriors, flooring and color options. If you would like to be a part of the discussion, please keep an eye on the Township Calendar for meeting days and times.
September 2025:
The Board reviewed three schematic design options for the Recreation Center project. Each of the three options incorporates the use of pre-engineered construction in an effort to reduce the cost of construction. A majority of the Commissioners agreed with the Steering Committee and staff in selecting the option for a 15,808 square foot building and 101 parking spaces. Staff were asked to obtain an updated construction cost estimate from Boyle Construction and to ask MKSD Architects to revisit their fee structure to see if additional professional savings may be realized.
August 2025:
The Board of Commissioners were not prepared to move forward with the $19.6 million project unless substantial cost savings could be identified. Doylestown Township is in the process of constructing a new recreation center utilizing two pre-engineered buildings that resulted in a much less costly project than originally proposed for Springfield Township. Township Staff visited the Doylestown Township Recreation Center. Staff were directed to meet with MKSD Architects to secure a revised building program and estimated cost using pre-engineered construction methods.
May 2025:
The Board of Commissioners received a presentation from MKSD Architects regarding the Recreation Center Master Plan project. The architects reviewed work completed to date including an assessment of existing structures, data collection and community engagement, as well as the scope of the current phases including programming, feasibility and schematic design. A PowerPoint presentation depicted site and floor plans, and conceptual renderings for a two-story recreation center with an estimated cost of $19.6 million. It was noted that the current design does not incorporate geothermal or solar energy measures, which would add to the estimated cost. Ken Ballard from Ballard-King & Associates reviewed the market analysis and operational considerations for the proposed facility. Mr. Ballard estimated that the building would likely operate at a net loss of $250,000 per year, based upon the additional operating hours and staffing expenses.
January 2023:
Architects and engineers are currently evaluating the existing buildings to assess their condition and suitability for adaptive reuse. As part of this effort, a recreation consulting firm, MKSD Architects, has conducted a needs assessment, gathered community input through a survey, and provided recommendations, including a financial analysis and budget. and solicit a community survey. Public input meetings with stakeholders and the community have taken place on several occasions, including a virtual session on September 19, 2024, a consultation table at Community Day on October 6 at Cisco Park, and in-person meetings at the Recreation Center Site on October 23 and the Township Administration Building on November 20.
This project includes Rec A (gym), Rec B (former church & library) and the rectory. The Board of Commissioners received a presentation at their regularly scheduled February 12th business meeting regarding the needs assessment, data collection and community engagement (view below). They are currently evaluating whether to rebuild or renovate existing structures and will discuss next steps. Public participation is highly encouraged by attending Board of Commissioners Meetings and/or Recreation Center Project Meetings.
July, 2026: Recreation Center Fact Sheet
May 5, 2026: Design Development Drawings
April 9, 2026: Rec Center Design Update Part 1
April 9, 2026: Rec Center Design Update Part 2
April 7, 2026: Rec Center Design Update
March 5, 2026: Rec Center Design Update
May 12, 2025: Rec Center Phase 2 & 3
February 12, 2025: Rec Center Phase 1
August 29, 2025: Rec Center Design Plan Options
Monthly Project Reports
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About the Recreation Center Advisory Committee
The Springfield Township Recreation Center Advisory Committee was established in January 2023 by the Board of Commissioners to guide the planning process for the future of the recreation center located at 1200 Willow Grove Avenue in Wyndmoor.
MEETING TIME & LOCATION
The Springfield Township Recreation Center Advisory Committee meets on the first Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at the Springfield Township Building, 1510 Paper Mill Rd, Wyndmoor.
Recreation Center Public Informational Meetings
The Recreation Center Project was discussed at the February 12th and May 12th meetings of the Board of Commissioners. Below are the links to the videos.