WELCOME TO THE EAST LIBRARY AND RECREATION CENTER O P E N I N G F A L L 2 0 2 0
SERVING THE EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS OF EAST ARLINGTON This collaborative project between the To create a single building with two distinct functions, architects were inspired by the architecture and Parks and Recreation and Libraries automotive designs from the 1950s and today. The departments is the first of its kind in intertwining of curved and angular elements, joined by a shared lobby, creates a state-of-the art facility that honors The American Dream City. Arlington’s history while providing a modern space for present and future generations. The co-facility, located at 2025 Craig Hanking Drive off New York Avenue, will replace the existing Hugh Smith The East Library and Recreation Center project aligns Recreation Center and the East Branch Library. with the City Council priorities to Champion Great Neighborhoods and Support Our Youth and Families. The 47,249-square-foot facility is set to open in Fall 2020. Funding for the $26 million project was approved by – Lemuel Randolph, Director of Parks and Recreation – Norma Zuniga, LIBRARIES Director voters in the 2014 Bond Election.
LIBRARY RECREATION AQUATICS SENIORS SHARED LOBBY/CIRCULATION FACILITY LAYOUT
“We know that not all households in our growing community have access to computers or highspeed internet. Yet these tools today are critical when it comes to connecting our residents with educational and career resources, public services or even information about their local The City of Arlington partnered with students from UTA’s College of Architecture government or school district,” on the design of the outdoor community working space for the Library Innovation Zone. Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams said. “Our goal with the East Arlington EAST LIBRARY The state’s Library Innovation Zone Innovation Zone is to improve access grant will allow Arlington to expand to technology and technology- AND RECREATION internet availability, creating a tech- centered programming to help bridge centered community outdoor space, our community’s digital divide and CENTER PROJECT while increasing the technological ensure Arlington is a place where capabilities within the recreation people of all ages and backgrounds RECEIVES $750,000 center and library as well. can achieve their American Dream.” TECHNOLOGY GRANT The latter will allow for the creation Additionally, the grant money will of a high-tech community room and be used to add charging stations, a A $750,000 Texas Library and a video chat room that partners laptop dispenser with computers that Archives Commission grant will help can use to interact with residents residents may check out, internet the City increase the community’s through classes and meetings and hotspots for checkout, and will give access to technology within and virtual appointments, including residents the ability to interact with surround the future East Library and appointments with medical providers. a robotic agriculture system to learn Recreation Center. about gardening.
TECHNOLOGY Library visitors have access to public computing, including a laptop dispenser that allows residents to check out technology. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and a laptop bar in the lobby or charge your device in one of our charging stations. Visitors also have access to printing, faxing, scanning and mobile print capabilities. Children will be able to explore the technology with our Discovery Stations and access homework resources as well as educational games on our children’s computers. AISD students have access to computers by using their AISD student (“lunch”) numbers at any time. LIBRARY FEATURES BOOKS, DVDS AND MORE Discover our collection of books, DVDs, CDs and more. The East Arlington Library is an open concept library Books in Spanish, Vietnamese, French and other languages expected to be a community hub for shared resources such are available, as well as e-books and e-audio books. Young as books, children’s toys, and public computers for our children can enjoy exploring our Read It Again kits, and our residents. The library will provide literacy tools to support 1000 Books Before Kindergarten backpacks. students, families, and lifelong learners. Free programs include bilingual early literacy storytimes; GED, ESL, and LIBRARY CARDS other adult education classes; and events for seniors. If you live in Arlington, you can use all our library resources for free! Come to any library location to get started. The The Innovation Zone allows Arlington to expand internet application is easy, and your account is free! Already have a availability, creating a tech-centered community outdoor Parks & Rec card? We can link your free library account for space, while increasing the technological capabilities your convenience! within the recreation center and library spaces.
PROGRAMMING We offer dynamic programming for every age. Children can discover and grow in the library with interactive experiences, learning and play. Storytimes, including our Bilingual storytime, engage children with short stories, finger plays, action rhymes, and songs. Programs for children include exploring STEM concepts and so much more! Adults can attend programs focused on career development, small business, computer skills as well as take advantage of opportunities to create and try new things. We offer book clubs, conversation circles and adult education. ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM Our adult education program is an accredited program that addresses adult literacy needs in the community. All our services are at no cost to the student. We offer High School Equivalency, English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship classes as well as workforce training opportunities. Classes available by registration. Morning and evening classes are offered for your convenience.
FITNESS The new center features multiple workout locations, including an expansive fitness room featuring cardio machines, circuit equipment and free weights. In addition to this space is a separate group fitness room that will offer a variety of classes such as Zumba, H.I.I.T. (High Intensity Interval Training), circuit training, yoga and more. GYMNASIUM Whether you’re interested in shooting some hoops, playing pick-up basketball or another sport, the largest recreational space of the new center will meet all of your sporting needs. The gym features a regulation-sized full RECREATION FEATURES length basketball court, that can also be split into multiple smaller courts for players of all ages. CHILDCARE Arlington’s investment in the health and recreational Parks and Rec staff will offer child care to our guests while opportunities of its residents is on full display with the new they are in the facility, providing a fun and enjoyable East Library and Recreation Center, which will replace the environment for children to play, while allowing adults to Hugh Smith Recreation Center and Senior Center New enjoy the numerous leisure and educational opportunities York, which were constructed in the 1960s. within the new center. With the scan of one library/recreation center card, INDOOR POOL guests will have access to a wide array of programs and The new 113,309-gallon indoor pool will operate year services. The recreation elements of the center include a round and provide the perfect spot for lap swim, aqua- gymnasium, indoor pool with party room, fitness center, fitness classes, swim instruction and leisure play. locker rooms, group exercise room, community meeting rooms, and outdoor amenities.
SENIOR LOUNGE & DINING SPACE The East Library and Recreation Center will include dedicated space for seniors to gather for meals, crafts, educational seminars, games and more. PRIVATE EVENTS Birthday parties, reunions, showers, sports rentals, meetings and more! There is even a dedicated party room overlooking the indoor pool. Other rooms, gyms, fitness areas, child watch area and more may be rented during and after business hours. “We’ve been collaborating over the last couple of years to determine how we are going to program effectively for the entire community, providing state-of- the-art library and parks and recreation services. We really feel like we are going to deliver on this account with this project.” -- Lemuel Randolph, Parks and Recreation Director.
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