Wentzville REC Center

The Midwest City of Wentzville, with roots that trace back to the great pioneer movement, is growing at a robust pace.  Although the City has a higher concentration of younger age groups than the national average, it is currently challenged by a shortage of recreational amenities for all age groups.  In 2018 the City engaged Hastings+Chivetta and Ballard*King to perform market analysis and a survey of resident interest in the construction of a new community center.  Market analysis revealed that current providers within the city service area are narrowly focused on the adult fitness market, and that School District resources are not adequate to meet the needs of growing youth programs.  During a series of community outreach events, surveys and meetings with prospective partners, the residents and developers expressed a significant interest in new facilities.  Based on cumulative input and stakeholder preference, the consultants developed a building program that was organized around four primary activity areas: gymnasium, indoor jogging, indoor aquatics and fitness.  In June 2019, City Officials voted to approve a new building to be funded through improvement district taxes and bonds.

The design process for the new Wentzville REC Center has been highly interactive; plans for the facility are currently in Design Development and posted on the City website to solicit community input.  City leaders aspire to develop an open, inclusive facility that enhances the quality of life for all residents and becomes an identifying moniker for the City landscape that attracts families and new businesses. 

The Wentzville REC Center will be sited on a 20-acre parcel in a retail development near City Hall. The 83,100 SF structure of modern expression connects to the outdoors through an extensive use of glazing and outdoor activity space that includes: outdoor fitness, a community porch and fitness roof terrace.  The building will be constructed of masonry and metal panels; the indoor amenities include:

 

  • Central control desk, concessions and a café
  • Socialization seating areas dispersed throughout the open lobby and corridors
  • Two-court gymnasium that is divisible for simultaneous events
  • Suspended serpentine jogging track that overlooks the gymnasium and fitness below
  • Indoor aquatics with a 6-lane lap pool, leisure pool with zero-depth entry and water slide
  • Multi-level fitness areas that include weights, cardio theatre and circuit equipment
  • Three group exercise rooms
  • Large community meeting chamber that is divisible into three meeting rooms
  • Education center with classrooms, computer labs, tutoring and faculty offices
  • Locker rooms for men, women and families
  • Administrative areas for program coordinators and City recreation staff
  • Older adults living room with food prep and dining area
  • Divisible party room for rental
  • Separate child care and Pre-K rooms