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Documenter Britt Oliver (notes)
Reservoir Park Community Center plans garner Urban Design and Preservation Commission support.
Renovation plans for the 85-year-old Reservoir Park Community Center in Goodyear Heights moved forward this week after two public hearings and positive support from a key Akron group.
Members of the Urban Design and Preservation Commission voted Tuesday to support the plans presented by architects from Prime AE and Behnke Landscape & Architecture.
The commission made several recommendations the architects will consider as they continue updating plans with the Department of Planning and Urban Development before moving to City Council for final approval.
The city has dedicated $5.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the renovation project, which includes replacement of a 1990s addition and upgrades to the outdoor pool, among other items.
The city solicited public input from two open houses held Tuesday Feb. 6 at the center. Residents were able to view plans and share their thoughts with staff members.
Proposed changes to the center include:
- Demolition of a 1990s addition that will be replaced with an 4,854-square-foot structure that is ADA-compliant.
- More multi-purpose rooms
- Outdoor gathering spaces
- Interior space for display of local artwork
- A new kitchen that could accommodate cooking classes
- A children’s reading nook
- A dedicated office space for staff members
- Main entrance will face Hillside Terrace
- Replacement of windows in original building
- Pool upgrades. The Reservoir Park pool is one of two city pools and will be closed this year for renovations, according to the city’s website.
Community Center built in 1938 during the Great Depression
One of 12 Akron community centers, Reservoir Park opened in 1938 as “Waterworks Park” and was built through the Works Progress Administration, a Depression-era jobs program, according to R.I.G.H.T., a community group dedicated to the preservation of Goodyear Heights. The center’s opening ceremony drew 10,000 people. The building was built next to a 1913 reservoir the city used for drinking water.
Ward 10 Council Member Sharon Connor will share the design boards, according to a Facebook post, at the next Ward 10 meeting on Feb. 20 at 12:30 and 6 p.m. at Goodyear Branch Library at 60 Goodyear Blvd.