Ground has been broken for the $1.5 million renovation and expansion of the Hartwell Recreation Center.
The building, designed with a modern flare, is meant to help liven up the southwest corner of Vine Street and Galbraith Road.
A new entrance will be created on the current site of the basketball courts, providing room for 65 parking spaces.
Inside, a new front desk and Cincinnati Recreation Commission offices will be part of a new, open and airy lobby.
Other parts of the renovation and expansion include:
- A new kitchen
- Two multi-purpose rooms
- An exercise room
- A new ceramics and kiln room
- Windows that will overlook the parking area
The existing playground and pool will stay in their current locations, but the basketball courts will be moved to the tennis court area, where only one tennis court will remain.
The baseball fields are under construction and will receive new restroom facilities, backstops and benches.
Completion is scheduled for May 2009.
The recreation center is just one of several projects in the area.
Cincinnati Public Schools plans to begin a renovation of Hartwell Elementary School later this fall, and the MVP Mid-City Baseball/Softball Indoor Academy Facility has been proposed for the former Hartwell Armory building.
Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Dawn Longworth, president, Hartwell Improvement Association
Rendering provided by the
Hartwell Improvement Association.
Photograph by Scott Beseler
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