Recreation Center Project
Recreation Center Project Updates
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.
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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 Free Library of Springfield Township, 8900 Hawthorne Ln, 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.