New recreation center stands tall

Parks & Recreation, Dec, 2004

At just over 62,000 square feet, the new Laramie Community Recreation Center, located on a 24-acre site within the recently developed Turner Tract in Colorado, features state-of-the-industry recreation and aquatic areas. Built by hometown architect Bob McDonald and Ohlson Lavoie Collaborative, he worked tirelessly with the city and the community to design a recreation center that encompasses everyone's plans.

The aquatic components include an outdoor leisure pool, slide and an indoor aquatic park. The eight-lane, 25-yard competitive pool was originally planned to be added well after the center opened, when additional funds became available. However, the competitive swimmers in and around Laramie just couldn't wait, and helped raise the funds to have the pool built concurrently with the center. The exterior design is inspired by the windswept plains that are an integral part of southern Wyoming. The glass windows reflect the dramatic colors of bright blue sky and rich red rock the area is known for. Says McDonald, "I knew from the start that this would be one of the most memorable projects I'd ever work on, and I hope that everyone in Laramie is as excited as I am about this center." The center opened to charter members on Oct. 2 and to the general public on Oct. 4, with the grand opening festivities taking place Oct. 23.