The rendering above depicts an example of the new entrance at the Swim & Fitness Center after renovations are completed in 2024.
Editor's Note: This article was revised on May 19, 2023, to reflect the adjusted total cost of the project, which is $4.8 million.
For nearly 50 years, the Swim & Fitness Center in Historic Westminster has provided residents with a dedicated place for swimming, programming, and building community. Now, after nearly five decades of service, the City will begin a $4.8 million renovation project at the facility this spring with a goal of improving ADA accessibility, guest and staff safety, as well as overall service and efficiency.
“Swim & Fit is Westminster’s very first recreation center,” said Kira Kloser, recreation facility superintendent for the City of Westminster’s Parks, Recreation & Libraries Department. “This facility is so heavily used, and it’s located right in the middle of a neighborhood that is a critical access point for families and youth in Historic Westminster.”
The building, located at 3290 W. 76th Ave., first opened to residents in 1975. The aging facility is in need of several updates, which include a focus on improving the experience for Westminster residents of all abilities.
“The original design is not easy for anyone in a wheelchair or with mobility challenges,” said Tomás Herrera-Mishler, director of Westminster’s Parks, Recreation & Libraries Department. “The new design addresses these needs and makes the entire building easy and comfortable to visit for everyone.”
A significant part of the renovation project includes adding an elevator to improve accessibility to the three-level building. With the current design, people who use wheelchairs or parents with strollers must use an outdoor ramp to access the upper level. The elevator will eliminate this problem and allows the City to retire an outdated staff-operated wheelchair lift.
The renovation project will relocate the lobby to an area on the south side of the building, allowing for additional ADA-designated parking spaces and sidewalk ramps. The new entrance and lobby will be located in the current cardio area on the lower level, and a new cardio area will be added to where the lobby is currently located.
In addition to utilizing Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds, a portion of the cost will be covered by grant money awarded to the City through the Adams County Open Space program.
“The Adam’s County grant of $1 million has allowed us to continue to pursue our vision of facility-wide renovation, fully addressing the accessibility issues and restoring this aging facility into a community jewel,” noted Herrera-Mishler. “This renovated building is a significant investment in Historic Westminster, another clear example of the City’s commitment to meeting the wellness needs of every member of our community.”
Construction is expected to begin in late spring with an estimated completion date of early 2024. During this time, residents can expect intermittent closures at the facility which will be announced in the coming months, along with an exact construction timeline.
When the project is complete, residents can expect a more accessible, revitalized facility, and an enhanced experience with more programs and services than ever before.
“In everything we do, our number one priority is our guests. They are the motivation for this project,” said Kloser. “We look forward to welcoming our residents back to a new and refreshed facility they can enjoy for another 50 years!”
ADA Survey: Please help us develop the City’s ADA accessibility transition plan *Please note the survey closed February 2023.*
The City of Westminster is dedicated to creating a place where residents of all abilities can live and thrive. Staff is in the process of developing a citywide ADA accessibility transition plan, and residents are invited to give their feedback in a short survey that can be found here: https://bit.ly/3kKE2nA. The survey will close Thursday, February 16.
Thank you in advance for helping to identify existing concerns or potential improvements as the City continues its mission of eliminating barriers and improving accessibility.
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