New Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility Coming to Johns Island

News Summary

Residents of Johns Island can look forward to a new Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility, which will be built next to the Johns Island City Park. With a $70 million investment from a recent parks bond referendum, the facility aims to enhance recreational opportunities for all ages. It will include a 25-meter swimming pool, fitness rooms, and multi-purpose spaces for community activities, bringing much-needed amenities closer to home and improving the quality of life on the island.

Exciting News for Johns Island: New Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility on the Way!

Charleston residents are in for a treat! The City of Charleston has just announced plans to build a brand new Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility right in the heart of Johns Island. This is more than just another building; it’s a significant and much-anticipated addition that will bring a wealth of recreational opportunities to the local community.

The facility is slated to be constructed next to the picturesque Johns Island City Park, making it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors. With an impressive investment running into millions of dollars, it promises to enhance the array of amenities available for all who call this charming island home.

Bringing the Fun Closer to Home

One of the highlights of this new project is its focus on providing sports and recreational programming for people of all ages. Residents will soon find it much easier to enjoy activities and events without having to travel off the island. Whether you are looking to take swimming lessons, join a fitness class, or participate in family-friendly events, this facility aims to be the go-to spot for enjoyment.

The importance of this development is not lost on local officials. It has been emphasized that improving the quality of life on Johns Island is paramount. One of the biggest challenges for people living here has been the need to travel outside the island for recreational options, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. This new center is set to change that profoundly.

A Smart Investment

The funding for this exciting project comes from a healthy $70 million parks bond referendum that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2023. It’s clear that the community sees the value in expanding and improving local facilities, which makes this project even more special.

In addition to the overall design, community input will play a crucial role in determining the specific features of the facility. Local residents will be able to chime in on amenities such as the size of the pool and other recreational options, ensuring that the center truly meets the needs of the community.

What to Expect in the New Facility

So, what can residents look forward to? The new Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility is expected to include a variety of exciting features. Among the highlights will be a 25-meter swimming pool, locker rooms for changing and showering, fitness rooms to get those muscles moving, multi-purpose spaces for activities, a kitchen for preparing snacks, and offices for staff to keep everything running smoothly.

District 3 Councilmember Jim McBride has been a strong advocate for increasing resources in Johns Island, which underscores the city’s commitment to investing in its residents’ well-being. A selection committee, featuring city officials, is busy reviewing qualifications for a construction manager who will oversee the project. The approach known as “Construction Manager at Risk” ensures that the project stays within a guaranteed maximum price, which is reassuring for everyone involved.

Looking Ahead

Once a construction manager has been selected, timelines for breaking ground will be set, with the goal of commencing construction in less than two years. The hope is to get things moving soon after the selection process wraps up, bringing this much-needed facility to life for the Johns Island community.

Currently, Johns Island has the fewest parks and recreational facilities per capita in all of Charleston. This new Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility represents a fantastic opportunity to address that gap and provide a vibrant space for residents to gather, exercise, and have fun.

With such a promising investment on the horizon, the future looks bright for recreational activities on Johns Island. Exciting times are ahead—stay tuned for updates as this project progresses!

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Additional Resources

• Live 5 News
• Count On 2 News
• ABC News 4
• Post and Courier
• Google Search: Johns Island Recreation Center