Officials held a Zoom call on Saturday to provide an update on renovation plans for the Lawncrest Recreation Center and Lawncrest Library.
The city will spend $12 million on the rec center and $2.8 million on the library, both located near Rising Sun Avenue and Comly Street.
Troy Hannigan, of the nonprofit real estate developer Community Ventures, explained that construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2022, with a likely ribbon cutting sometime in 2023.
The improvements to the rec center will include work on the building, clubhouse, swimming pool, field, playground and grove.
The details have not been ironed out, but the work will probably not include fencing around the perimeter, due to cost. Bollards could be used to keep out vehicles.
Katrina Rogus, of Salt Design Studio, said community feedback shows the highest priorities to be safety, lighting, cleanliness and accessibility. Other items of importance include a focus on the sports fields, playground and basketball courts, along with the possible addition of a fitness loop.
Salt’s Sara Pevaroff Schuh displayed three possible options. The area that contains the hockey rink and tennis courts could be converted to a multi-purpose use. Possible additions include an entry and event plaza, splashpad, soccer field and learning garden. One option has the basketball courts moving closer to Lardner Street.
For more information, visit community-ventures,org/rebuildlawncrest. ••
