Late last year, SBRC’s boiler failed and flooded the gym. In addition, a pool leak is increasing the moisture levels in the gym. The Parks and Recreation Department (BPR) is coordinating these two repairs while continuing a reduced level of service at the facility.
The South Boulder Recreation Center (SBRC) has been a vital part of our community since 1974.
It is a gathering place for community members to exercise, swim, and connect with each other. While beloved by neighbors and customers, the facility is showing its age and needs some maintenance. The facility is still open and we will continue to support operations as much as possible during the life of the facility.
Late last year, SBRC’s boiler failed and flooded the gym. In addition, a pool leak is increasing the moisture levels in the gym. The Parks and Recreation Department (BPR) is coordinating these two repairs while continuing a reduced level of service at the facility.
BPR is finding a flooring product that can meet the primary needs for the space as a large indoor exercise area and is sensible given the short remaining lifecycle of the building. BPR is receiving quotes for the removal of the current gym floor.
Construction is scheduled to begin the second week of March, so be aware that there will be noise, dust, and odors from floor cutting activities, in addition to construction traffic on the north side of the recreation center. Construction will last up to two weeks.
BPR plans to close the pool from late May to early June, when outdoor pools are open, to repair the pool and replace the gym flooring. The gym will remain closed until that time.
Looking to the future of not only the SBRC, but BPR’s other two recreation centers (North Boulder Recreation Center and East Boulder Community Center), the city completed a “Recreation Centers Condition Assessment,” in 2016 to ensure we were caring for these critical assets appropriately. That project identified that SBRC will have reached the end of its useful life in 2026 and BPR should begin planning for its retirement and/or replacement.
To begin planning for that scenario, BPR included a “Recreation Centers Needs Assessment” in the scope of the Master Plan Update project currently underway to help us determine how best to ensure Boulder’s recreation facilities can meet the evolving needs of the community. Those findings will be discussed with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and City Council over the next several months and in tandem with discussions of the Master Plan Update.
We will work with our community and elected officials to determine how to serve the recreation needs of our community in our facilities, while considering citywide needs and goals.
While the future of the SBRC is to be determined, our commitment to promoting health and well-being is strong and we look forward to figuring this out with our community.
