reimaging the rec
Livonia Recreation Center
Recognizing the growing need for a modern recreation center to serve its multi-generational community, the City of Livonia turned to Neumann/Smith for our expertise in designing dynamic community centers. Through a collaborative partnership where all possibilities were considered, we created a facility to support the city’s evolving needs for decades to come.
vision
Originally, the City of Livonia wanted to transform the 56-year-old Bentley High School into a new community recreation center. After observing obsolete systems, code deficiencies, and a dated appearance, Neumann/Smith proposed a completely new building instead of an renovating the old school. The City saw potential in our plan, and agreed to reimagine their vision for this project.
detail
At the heart of the building, a vibrant atrium offers 42-foot rock climbing wall with sightlines to the fitness center, four gymnasiums, and a suspended indoor track. “The Rec” also features a tree-loft playroom with daycare, a sauna, locker rooms, cabanas, gymnastics center, aerobics + dance studios, a senior lounge, and party/meeting rooms. Aquatic amenities include a competition pool, hot tub, lazy river, low/zero-depth entry pools, an outdoor spray park with a sun deck, and concessions.
Neumann/Smith helped us hear all of the voices of our community. They pushed back when needed, making sure the design resonated with stakeholder groups, and ensuring all the voices made it to the table.
— livonia mayor maureen miller brosnan
secret
Through creative thinking and careful evaluation of alternatives, we created a distinctive building with more net space for less gross, improved control and security, reduced staffing requirements and provided substantial life-cycle cost savings for our client – all on a shorter construction timeline.
