BELMONT, NC — On July 8, 2023, CPL joined the City of Belmont Parks and Recreation Department, local government officials and the Belmont community to commemorate the highly anticipated grand opening of the CityRec Center in Belmont, NC.
Amidst rapid population growth in 2020, the City acknowledged the need for a centralized hub for community activities, and sought to establish an intergenerational recreation center that would service residents of the City of Belmont and beyond.
Following a formal interview and selection process, CPL partnered with Parks and Recreation Director Zip Stowe and other invested stakeholders to spearhead design for a modern campus that would offer a range of activities and programs to improve residents’ overall quality of life.
The team organized virtual focus groups and targeted public outreach sessions during the project’s initial design phase, recognizing the importance of building trust and consensus with clients and end users. These meetings allowed participants to share insights which influenced key design decisions, while ensuring their safety in line with early COVID-19 protocols..
Now complete, the 42,000 sq. ft. facility is situated beside the recently renovated CityWorks building, the Belmont Skateboard Park and Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park as part of the City’s new recreation corridor, providing pleasant views of the Catawba River. It’s expected to stimulate the local economy by attracting families to visit for weekend tournaments and festivities, benefiting nearby hotels, shops and restaurants.
The interior includes three basketball courts; six volleyball courts; a walking track; fitness classrooms; a dedicated play area for children with a slide and climbing wall; a teen media and gaming room that supports participation in e-Sports competitions; a concessions café; and a catering kitchen. Additionally, a 1,170 sq. ft. banquet space with an attached balcony will accommodate up to 80 guests as a rental venue for parties, weddings and other private gatherings.
CityRec will also take advantage of several multi-use spaces to host a myriad of events, such as health and wellness classes, after-school activities and summer camps.
“Designed with flexibility in mind, the CityRec Center is a true reflection of the new Belmont, embodying the spirit of progress embraced by its diverse community,” said CPL Principal Rachel Nilson, AIA, NCARB, who served as Project Manager. “We’re honored to have played a role in creating this community ‘living room’ that will provide top-notch recreation and community programs for everyone, regardless of their age or physical, social or economic circumstances.”
CPL worked alongside partners Alfred Benesch and Company (Landscape Architecture and Civil Engineering), Michael M. Simpson and Associates (Structural Engineering) and Edifice, Inc. (Construction Manager) to design and deliver this project.
The striking, $13.1M facility formally opened to the public on July 10, 2023.
About CPL
Founded in 1975, CPL is a 500+ person multi-disciplined architecture, engineering and planning firm offering inspiring design services and enriching communities in 21 cities across seven states. CPL specializes in the Community, Healthcare, Higher Education, K-12 Education and Transportation market sectors – providing architectural, interior design, civil engineering, buildings and structural engineering, planning, landscape architecture and 3D/virtual design services to a host of public and private clients.