Our thanks to everyone that joined us on October 20 for the first UA Community Center Open House! Approximately 85 residents were in attendance to learn about the detailed design process, project schedule and a recap of the primary building program and uses. Following a brief presentation, participants were able to explore various activity stations. Three Program Use stations focused on listening to how residents envisioned using the aquatics, gymnasiums and community spaces. Three Blocking/Stacking stations had interactive models that sparked a conversation with attendees about their preferred location of program spaces on the site and in relation to other program within the building. Multiple feedback opportunities were available, with design team members present at each station facilitating discussions. Comment cards were also placed at each Program Use station to collect written feedback.

Overall, there were four big planning issues to consider: Where should the parking, the pool, the gym and the senior spaces be located?

In general, we heard residents express an interest in:

• A multi-generational community building
• Ensuring ease of access for seniors and young families to navigate both the site and the building
• Optimizing the ground floor with program area and not parking
• Designing the building in a functional/pragmatic way
• The importance of managing the budget
• Participants also expressed their gratitude for having their opinions heard and their excitement for continuing this engagement process.