The Kernersville Recreation & Event Center is a 49,000 sq. ft. multi-use facility designed to serve as a vibrant hub for athletics, community events, wellness programming and social connection. Created to meet the needs of a growing population, the center brings together residents of all ages and abilities in a welcoming, flexible environment.
Photographer: snapWerx (Jim Graziano)
Client
Town of Kernersville
Location
Kernersville, North Carolina
Total Project Cost
$18.1 M
Key CPL Contact
Ken Mayer
Completed
2024
Size
49,000 sq. ft.
Services
Architecture, Interior Design, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering
From the outset, our Community & Culture team worked in close partnership with the Town of Kernersville and local stakeholders to shape a facility that reflects community values and anticipates future needs. Through public engagement sessions and strategic planning, we aligned on a shared vision: to create a central gathering place that fosters inclusivity, strengthens civic identity, and supports a wide range of recreational and educational activities.
Anchoring the center is an NBA-sized basketball court designed for both competitive play and community events. With integrated spectator seating and flexible infrastructure, the court transitions easily into a venue for graduation ceremonies, concerts and town-wide celebrations—demonstrating the core design principle of multifunctionality.
Surrounding the court, we organized the layout to support a wide spectrum of activities and user needs. The facility includes two additional sports courts, a walking and running track, a strength and fitness room and several multipurpose studios that accommodate everything from fitness classes and cooking classes to art workshops and community meetings. Every space was designed with flexibility in mind, enabling the center to evolve with changing programming and support the facility and adjacent parks as a hub of sports tourism.
To enhance operational sustainability, we incorporated features that support both daily and special event use: classrooms, storage and rental-ready spaces for after-school programs, corporate functions and private gatherings.
Accessibility and user experience guided key design decisions. For instance, we integrated barrier-free entrances, clear wayfinding and intuitive visual cues throughout the facility to ensure that all visitors, regardless of age or ability, can navigate and enjoy the space with ease.
Natural light and visual connections to the outdoors reinforce the center’s role as a bridge between built and natural environments. Clerestory and floor-to-ceiling windows offer views into nearby Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex, while a connected patio and trail access encourage seamless indoor-outdoor use.
A lively community hub that doubles as an event venue, the Kernersville Recreation and Event Center is a shared civic asset, embodying the town’s commitment to connectivity, inclusivity and long-term growth. By blending adaptable design with a collaborative process, the facility stands today as a cornerstone of community life.
Murphey Candler Park