Architect : Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture
Aquatic Consultant/Engineer : Water Technology Inc.
Total Construction Cost : $37.8 M
Square Feet : 81,200
Project Description:
To follow up on the initial feasibility study and concept design performed in 2015, the City of Thornton hired the design team to revisit the project with fresh eyes and input from the community. Site and concept alternatives were developed based on new input from project stakeholders and the community. Initially, the center was going to connect with the Veteran’s Memorial Aquatic Center to the west. Ultimately, the preferred option was to relocate the facility to accommodate access to the building and make the best use of the site.
The result was the Trail Winds Recreation Center, which houses recreation areas, a senior center wing, a licensed preschool, a child watch, multipurpose rooms with an attached warming kitchen, and an outdoor/indoor playground.
As visitors enter the main entrance, they are greeted with a double-height space that has views of a natatorium and a 32-foot-high climbing pinnacle. On the center’s recreation side, there is the natatorium with four bodies of water and two 20-foot-tall slides. Locker rooms, family changing rooms and two party rooms are centrally located in the recreation wing. A gym features four pickleball/volleyball courts, one large basketball court and two cross courts. Two dance/aerobics rooms and one group-cycling/yoga room are located adjacent to the gym. These spaces also have direct access to the outdoor fitness garden, where there is space for outdoor yoga, cross training and group exercise classes during more temperate days. The mezzanine level includes a walking/jogging track with views into the pool and gym areas, as well as a fitness area complete with weights and cardio equipment.
