In the works for several years, Des Moines leaders are on the brink of unveiling the city’s newest recreation center on the north side.
Plans for the Reichardt Community Recreation Center have been in progress since at least 2021, when community members shared their vision for what would replace the aging John R. Grubb Community YMCA. Construction crews are putting the final touches on the estimated $22 million recreation center, 915 College Ave., with plans for a grand opening sometime in May.
The two-story, nearly 37,000-square-foot center boasts a high school-sized basketball court, Des Moines’ first indoor public pool, community rooms and a gaming center, according to city officials and the project’s website. It joins two other city rec centers, the Fourmile Community Recreation Center at 3711 Easton Blvd. and the Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center at 2100 Southeast Fifth St.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation Director Ben Page said the center will be the heart of the community — a place where anyone of any background can recreate together.
“I really hope this is one of those few spaces we have in the city that can get you away from the world, politics and help you improve your relationships with your neighbors,” Page said as he took the Des Moines Register on a tour of the space Friday, Feb. 27.
What are the recreation center’s highlights?
Highlights of the space include a basketball court, which also can be used for other sports like pickleball and volleyball, Page said. A sunny yellow elevated track circles above the court, with space for a workout area that will be filled with weights, treadmills and other gym equipment.
On the other side of the lobby, the center will have an innovation lab with computers, video game equipment, as well as music and sound equipment.
Page said the city is proud of its pool, one of the features that was high on community members’ priority list during early planning stages. The pool, located on the first floor, will have lap lanes, a shallow end with a play area and a diving board. Locker rooms will lead into the pool area.
The building also includes a community room with a kitchen. Page said the space could be the “hub” of the rec center, hosting everything from birthday parties to neighborhood meetings.
What happens to the Grubb YMCA?
The Grubb Y was set to close its doors on Feb. 28. City leaders intend to demolish the building before the new rec center opens.
A staple of the neighborhood for decades, Page said he understands it will be hard for nearby residents to let go of memories at the Grubb Y. But he said he hopes community members can continue building memories at Reichardt.
“This is going to be the next generation for everybody,” Page said of the new space.
City leaders are planning for future development next to the building, which could include a mini pitch, a playground, a basketball court, and an open-air shelter, he said.
What will the hours, rates be?
The recreation center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, Page said.
Daily admission rates are:
Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Here’s a first look at Des Moines’ Reichardt recreation center
Reporting by Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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