Halifax Park Community Center Improvements

Clark Nexsen, OBS

Raleigh Housing Authority

Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) District: Mordecai

The public input meeting for the public art project with project artist will be held at 7:00pm, Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at Trinity United Methodist Church (824 N Bloodworth Street, Raleigh, NC 27604).

Design Phase

The Halifax Park Community Center, located at 1015 Halifax Street, Raleigh, NC, was originally built in 1972. The Raleigh Housing Authority provided financial assistance for the building's construction to insure community facilities were available for recreation and other activities for the area residents and other City of Raleigh citizens. The existing 10,710 square foot center houses a gymnasium, weight room, game room, meeting room, restrooms, office, and storage. Other park amenities include play equipment, basketball courts, and a multipurpose field. The 3.94 acre site is owned by the Raleigh Housing Authority.

The current facility is in need of renovation and expansion to accommodate the recreational and educational needs of the changing neighborhood. Clark Nexsen, a local architectural and engineering firm, was contracted to perform a feasibility study to determine the scope of renovation and expansion and how to best address the short and long-term needs and objectives. Two public meetings were held to solicit input on programming and park amenities, as well as to receive comment on the study's recommendations.

Proposed improvements include construction of a new 17,000 square foot Community Center with an improved gymnasium, large dividable meeting/class room, weight room, warming kitchen, office/reception area, and restrooms with a shower facilities. Site improvements include a new playground, and parking areas.

Funding of $3,150,000 for the renovation and expansion of the existing center was approved in the 2007 Parks and Recreation Bond Referendum.