• Click here to see a slide show of the Phase I improvements. Phase I is construction of the new gym behind the existing newer gym. Phase I was essentially complete in late 2007.
  
• Click here to see a slide show of the Phase II improvements. Phase II is the bulk of the improvements started in 2008.
  
  

  Progress on the Recreation Center expansion and renovation continues! The project will be completed in phases to limit the impact upon building operations. Phase I consists of construction of a new gymnasium (behind the existing newer gym), and Phase II will comprise the bulk of the renovation project occurring along the Cooper Road portion of the building.
  
  City Council awarded the bids for Phase I at its meeting on July 12, 2007, with construction beginning in August and essentially complete by the end of 2007. Phase II work was bid earlier in 2008, with most contracts awarded by Council in March.

Phase II work, consisting of the bulk of the improvements fronting Cooper Road, includes demolition of the older (1979) portions of the Cooper Road elevation and reconstruction of a new area to accommodate a two-story fitness center; an elevated three-lane walking/running track (one-tenth of a mile in length); and new locker room areas towards the east. The plans also feature a second entrance facing Cooper Road and a new open centralized lobby-type space, including family, café, and community lounge areas. This centralized area, essentially where the locker rooms exist today, will be very open, light, and will be accessible to all activity, including to the pool. Plans for Phase II will also include the potential for additional basement space.

Demolitionbegan in mid April 2008, with the total project anticipated to be complete by summer 2009. The estimated cost of both phases of the project as proposed is about $12 million. The project is being financed through 15-year general obligation bonds (already issued), with a maturity of up to15 years. The City received a very favorable net interest cost of 4.1%. This project was made possible by the passage of Issue 15 in November 2006.

See Architect's renderings and floor plans of the Recreation Center expansion below. Click on any image below to see a larger version.   

Make sure too you check out the 2009 Blue Ash Community Calendar for much more information regarding this exciting renovation and expansion project ... calendars will be mailed to residents in late December 2008! If you're not a resident and would like a calendar, call 513-745-8510. 

Aerial rendering showing the Cooper Road renovation in the foreground & the new gym addition in the background.  Drawing by Michael Schuster Associates, Project Architect. (Click on image to see larger version.)

Architect's rendering showing the Main Entrance. A new second entrance is planned for the Cooper Road side. Drawing by Michael Schuster Associates, Project Architect. (Click on image to see larger version.)

Architect's rendering showing the project renovation along Cooper Road (Phase II). Drawing by Michael Schuster Associates, Project Architect. (Click on image to see larger version.)

Rendering showing the Cooper Road renovation looking towards the west. Drawing by Michael Schuster Associates, Project Architect. (Click on image to see larger version.)

Architect's rendering showing how the Cooper Road renovation would look during the nighttime. Drawing by Michael Schuster Associates, Project Architect. (Click on image to see larger version.)

Architect's rendering showing how the renovated Main Entrance might look during the nighttime. Drawing by Michael Schuster Associates, Project Architect. (Click on image to see larger version.)