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46 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / September 2019 ELEMENTS Recreation Centers Public Input is Paramount in Recreation Design C entral Recreation Center, a new recre- ation center in Aurora, debuted in April as the city’s first new recreation center in 40 years. With a design heavily influenced by a thorough public input process, the $34 million, 61,250-square-foot facility is located in the heart of Aurora, with unbeatable views of the Colorado mountain range. Designed to be more than just a recreation center, this regional destination features first-of-its-kind amenities and fully integrated art installations. Di- rectly influenced by resident feedback, three public meetings were held in 2016 with over 200 commu- nity members in attendance at each, allowing resi- dents to express their opinions and give feedback on the design and programming activities. This input served as the basis of design for early vision planning and creation of a state-of-the-art facility by the de- sign team. • Public input and design. Through surveys, communi- ty meetings and focus groups, Populous works with each client to build a positive community consensus around their project. Particularly in the case of rec- reation centers, building consensus early in project planning through an open and inclusive engagement process will build trust with the community, allow- ing all stakeholders to have ownership of the proj- ect. The impact of a successful public input process also makes it easier for the project to obtain approval from community leaders in addition to support for the funding and future recreation opportunities. Aurora’s campaign – “Picture It!” – perfectly sum- marizing the mission of painting a picture of what Aurora residents visualized in their recreation center. All three public meetings were strategically held in the gymnasium and cafeteria areas of a local elemen- tary school located across from Aurora’s recreation Gudmundur Jonsson Principal, Populous Central Recreation Center fitness studio