{"id":99834,"date":"2022-10-10T13:53:22","date_gmt":"2022-10-10T13:53:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/?post_type=metro_project&#038;p=99834"},"modified":"2022-10-10T14:04:12","modified_gmt":"2022-10-10T14:04:12","slug":"recreation-center-design","status":"publish","type":"metro_project","link":"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/projects\/recreation-center-design\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rec Center Reimagined: How Cities are Designing for Wellness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-sandow-article-header article-header\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-header\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" src=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-Entry_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth.jpg\" alt=\"exterior image of the Cahill Fitness and Wellness Center where kids are playing on a patio\" class=\"wp-image-99836\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-Entry_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-Entry_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-Entry_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-Entry_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-Entry_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption>COURTESY TOM HOLDSWORTH<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group article-header_intro none\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"article-date\" aria-label=\"Post Date\">October 10, 2022<\/p>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"size-large wp-block-heading\">The Rec Center Reimagined: How Cities are Designing for Wellness<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column article-header_meta is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"summary size-regular\">Fitness centers in Baltimore, Maryland, and El Paso, Texas, show that cities can offer high-level recreational services at a low cost, improving the well-being of all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-sandow-byline byline size-regular\"><span>By: <\/span><a href=\"\/tag\/stephen-zacks\">Stephen Zacks<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"social-share\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmetropolismag.com%2Fprojects%2Frecreation-center-design%2F\" target=\"_blank\"><svg 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3.146 1.124.347 2.317.535 3.554.535 6.627 0 12-5.373 12-12 0-6.628-5.373-12-12-12z\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"mailto:?body=https%3A%2F%2Fmetropolismag.com%2Fprojects%2Frecreation-center-design%2F&#038;subject=The+Rec+Center+Reimagined%3A+How+Cities+are+Designing+for+Wellness\" target=\"_blank\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 12.713l-11.985-9.713h23.97l-11.985 9.713zm0 2.574l-12-9.725v15.438h24v-15.438l-12 9.725z\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column empty-header-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column article-header_meta is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"size-regular\">We\u2019ve come to think of fitness and <a href=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/tag\/wellness\/\">wellness <\/a>as luxuries to be enjoyed only by members of private clubs or participants in yoga retreats. But two new public recreation centers shift this assumption, updating stale municipal models for a new era and a much wider audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">The decision for cities to invest in new facilities that nurture public health and well-being should be intuitive: The benefits of physical activity for educational outcomes and the prevention of illness have been well established by the scientific community for more than a century. But local spending on such resources has been steadily falling, while private fitness has become a $30 billion industry in the United States, essentially filling this void. Luxury fitness clubs like Equinox and pricey training classes like SoulCycle have exploded, while corporate offices have begun to push fitness amenities and the&nbsp;rhetoric of well-being to attract workers back to the office.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column article-header_content is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"769\" src=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-pool-credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-1-1024x769.jpg\" alt=\"interior swimming pool at Cahill Fitness and Wellness center\" class=\"wp-image-99844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-pool-credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-1-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-pool-credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-pool-credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Nestled in Gwynns Falls\/Leakin Park, a 1,000-acre urban woodland, the Cahill Fitness and Wellness Center is operated by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks. GWWO Architects designed the facility so that over 80 percent of\nits occupied floor area, including the swimming pool and gymnasium, have direct views to the forest. COURTESY TOM HOLDSWORTH <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group none\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"size-regular\">But some public facilities are smartly incorporating attributes of the wellness world. By paying close attention to the desires of their neighborhoods and leveraging municipal funding, Baltimore\u2019s Cahill Fitness and Wellness Center and El Paso\u2019s Eastside Regional Recreation Center\u2014both begun before the pandemic made public health a primary concern\u2014deliver something equally tied to the health benefits of fitness: a sense of community belonging.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">The Cahill Fitness and Wellness Center, designed by local firm <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gwwoinc.com\/\">GWWO Architects<\/a>, comprises 30,000 square feet of performance spaces, fitness areas, dance studios, classrooms, picnic areas, and support spaces, along with pools, splash areas, and basketball courts. It\u2019s one of six fitness centers GWWO has designed in Baltimore\u2014Cahill is the third, another is under construction, and two more are starting soon\u2014as part of a program led by city Recreation and Parks director Reginald Moore to improve&nbsp;public health and wellness by upgrading outdated facilities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center_activity-room_Credit-Tom-Holdsworth-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Interior image of the Cahill Fitness and Wellness Center where kids are playing with hula hoops\" class=\"wp-image-99841\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center_activity-room_Credit-Tom-Holdsworth-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center_activity-room_Credit-Tom-Holdsworth-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center_activity-room_Credit-Tom-Holdsworth-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>COURTESY TOM HOLDSWORTH <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"769\" src=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-gym-Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-1024x769.jpg\" alt=\"interior basketball court at the Cahilll center\" class=\"wp-image-99842\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-gym-Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-gym-Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-gym-Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>COURTESY TOM HOLDSWORTH <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group none\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"size-regular\">\u201cWe begin each of these projects by engaging the community,\u201d says Alan Reed, president and principal of GWWO Architects. \u201cIt generally starts as a prototypical program, but then each community has different needs. For example, Cahill\u2019s successful youth theater program had been operating out of an old school gym. One of the things that came out of that process was the desire to create a state-of-the-art theater for them to continue that program.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">The nearly $18 million center is surrounded by the lush forest of the city\u2019s Gwynns Falls\/Leakin Park, which is visible in every direction through its glass-and-reclaimed-wood facade. GWWO organized the service and private areas within clusters of wood-lined volumes and placed the exercise areas, pool, and public spaces within glass-walled volumes that feel immersed in the woods. \u201cIt\u2019s located in this huge urban woodland, so conceptually we were drawn to that as we engaged&nbsp;with the community and talked about the impact of nature on wellness,\u201d Reed says.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_10-1.jpg\" alt=\"exterior of the Eastside Regional Recreation Center in El Paso, its exterior is illuminated with colored lights\" class=\"wp-image-99838\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_10-1.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_10-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_10-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_10-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_10-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption>Located in El Paso\u2019s Eastside Regional Park,\nthe Eastside Regional Recreation Center has a staggered facade that acts as a shade, allowing light\nin while cutting glare on the pool\u2019s surface. Drought-tolerant landscaping and plants cut water usage, helping the project achieve LEED Silver status. COURTESY JAMES STEINKAMP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">This shift toward the language of wellness shouldn\u2019t be such a surprise in a public recreational facility. Many rec centers originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when social reformers advocated for public bathhouses and playgrounds as ways of improving the hygiene and development of poor children and the population in general. Hundreds of parks and recreation departments established during that time continue to operate, along with school sports facilities. But the defunding of the public sector in the past half century has tended to leave these facilities feeling outdated and a little depressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">Financed by a public bond for social service projects throughout El Paso, the Eastside Regional Recreation Center, designed by <a href=\"https:\/\/perkinswill.com\/\">Perkins&amp;Will<\/a>\u2019s Dallas office with local firm In*Situ, includes a senior center\u2014a response to the multigenerational needs of the neighboring community\u2014along with a gym, a natatorium, an outdoor water park, and a public art program. It will eventually feature illuminated ball fields, a skate park, a dog park, outdoor playgrounds, and an amphitheater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">\u201cThis area didn\u2019t have a lot of social spaces and there\u2019s not a lot of park spaces, because you\u2019re in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert,\u201d says Ron Stelmarski, design director, Perkins&amp;Will. \u201cShade or any area of respite is hard to come by.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"904\" src=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_16.jpg\" alt=\"Interior of the swimming pool at the Eastside Regional Recreation Center\" class=\"wp-image-99839\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_16.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_16-300x136.jpg 300w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_16-1024x463.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_16-768x347.jpg 768w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_16-1536x694.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption>Known locally as \u201cthe Beast,\u201d El Paso\u2019s Eastside Regional Recreation Center features a natatorium, a gym, a senior center, and an outdoor aquatic park, while more facilities like ball fields and a skate park are expected in coming phases of the project. COURTESY JAMES STEINKAMP <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">Since the center was conceived as an oasis for play in the desert, swimming took on central importance, both in the outdoor water park\u2014as a means to escape the heat\u2014and an indoor natatorium, for exercise. When ball fields are built, as part of a master plan designed by Halff Associates, they will be equipped with shade structures to keep players from overheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">In addition to heat, the harsh sun was a central concern: The indoor natatorium features a wall made of staggered concrete panels that allow sunlight to fill the room without casting a glare on the water; elsewhere perforated metal screens and wooden slats diffuse light. Outdoors, native plantings and landscaping elements retain rainwater and restore the desert habitat of what had been an abandoned golf and country club development. In El Paso\u2019s&nbsp;post-pandemic society, the building\u2019s extensive outdoor fabric canopy has become an in-demand space for outdoor events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" style=\"object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1428\" src=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_12.jpg\" alt=\"Interior of the basketball court and weight room at the Eastside Regional Recreation center\" class=\"wp-image-99843\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_12.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_12-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_12-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_12-768x548.jpg 768w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_12-1536x1097.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption>COURTESY JAMES STEINKAMP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">Dallas-based sculptor Brad Goldberg contributed <em>Oasis Sombr\u00edo<\/em>, a landscape of granite boulders and paloverde trees inspired by the nearby Hueco Tanks, high-altitude rock formations that collect water in the desert. The multicolored lighting installation on the concrete panels owes a debt to El Paso\u2019s public art program, which offers incentives to light up the city at night with artworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">Both the Baltimore and El Paso rec centers are engineered to reduce energy consumption through passive methods. In Baltimore, Cahill\u2019s strategic solar orientation and a high-performing HVAC system offer substantial power savings compared with the facility it replaces. In El Paso, tilt-up concrete walls and the exterior canopy use solar shading and thermal mass to reduce heat gain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">\u201cThere was a clear history of leisure and recreation on the site, but it was not usually in the public interest and was not usually the smartest environmental response,\u201d Stelmarski says. \u201cThe water park and natatorium and gymnasium in our project are all really important pieces that serve the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-regular\">It\u2019s a welcome renewal of a civic spirit that doesn\u2019t rely on the multibillion-dollar fitness industry to sell subscriptions only to those who can afford it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-sandow-image-gallery\"><div class=\"splide\" data-splide=\"{&quot;fixedHeight&quot;: &quot;500px&quot;, &quot;autoWidth&quot;: true, &quot;gap&quot;: &quot;1px&quot;, &quot;pagination&quot;: false}\"><div class=\"splide__arrows\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"splide__arrow splide__arrow--prev\">Prev<\/button><button type=\"button\" class=\"splide__arrow splide__arrow--next\">Next<\/button><\/div><div class=\"splide__track\"><ul class=\"splide__list\"><li class=\"splide__slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1602\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_18.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of the Eastside Regional Recreation Center\" data-id=\"99847\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_18.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-99847\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_18.jpg 1602w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_18-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_18-820x1024.jpg 820w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_18-768x959.jpg 768w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/PerkinsWill_El-Paso-Eastside-Recreation-Center_Photography-by-James-Steinkamp_18-1230x1536.jpg 1230w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1602px) 100vw, 1602px\" \/><figcaption class=\"imagegallery-item__caption\">COURTESY JAMES STEINKAMP<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"splide__slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1501\" src=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-fitness-space-Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth.jpg\" alt=\"Exercise room at the Cahill Fitness and Wellness Center\" data-id=\"99845\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-fitness-space-Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-99845\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-fitness-space-Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-fitness-space-Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-fitness-space-Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-fitness-space-Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-fitness-space-Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-1536x1153.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"imagegallery-item__caption\">COURTESY TOM HOLDSWORTH <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"splide__slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center_outdoor-play_credit-Tom-Holdsworth.jpg\" alt=\"kids playing on outdoor equipment at the Cahill Fitness and Wellness Center\" data-id=\"99846\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center_outdoor-play_credit-Tom-Holdsworth.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-99846\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center_outdoor-play_credit-Tom-Holdsworth.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center_outdoor-play_credit-Tom-Holdsworth-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center_outdoor-play_credit-Tom-Holdsworth-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center_outdoor-play_credit-Tom-Holdsworth-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"imagegallery-item__caption\">COURTESY TOM HOLDSWORTH <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"splide__slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1501\" src=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/8-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-splashpad_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth.jpg\" alt=\"kids playing in a fountain outdoors at the Cahill Fitness and Wellness Center\" data-id=\"99837\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/8-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-splashpad_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-99837\" srcset=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/8-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-splashpad_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/8-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-splashpad_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/8-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-splashpad_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/8-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-splashpad_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/8-Cahill-Fitness-Wellness-Center-splashpad_Credit_-Tom-Holdsworth-1536x1153.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"imagegallery-item__caption\">COURTESY TOM HOLDSWORTH <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"comment size-regular\">Would you like to comment on this article? Send your thoughts to: <a href=\"mailto:comments@metropolismag.com\">comments@metropolismag.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"tag-cloud\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/domains\/infrastructure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Infrastructure<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"tag-cloud\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/tag\/gwwo-architects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">GWWO Architects<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/tag\/perkinswill-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Perkins&amp;Will<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/tag\/stephen-zacks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Stephen Zacks<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"post-cards__wrapper is-condensed-default columns-3 single-row\" data-type=\"metro_viewpoint metro_profile metro_project metro_product\" data-amount=\"3\" ><h3 class=\"section-title\">Latest<\/h3><ul><li 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Here\u2019s what you need to know about it.<\/p><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fitness centers in Baltimore, Maryland, and El Paso, Texas, show that cities can offer high-level recreational services at a low cost, improving the well-being of all.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":99836,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"featured_image_focal_point":[],"legacy_WP_ID":0},"tags":[2659,1946,2205],"metro_tax_domain":[10],"metro_tax_topic":[13,25],"metro_tax_program":[],"metro_issue":[2632],"internal_flag":[],"class_list":["post-99834","metro_project","type-metro_project","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-gwwo-architects","tag-perkinswill-2","tag-stephen-zacks","metro_tax_domain-infrastructure","metro_tax_topic-architecture","metro_tax_topic-wellness","metro_issue-sept-oct-2022"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Today&#039;s Recreation Center Design Taps Into Key Wellness Pillars<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Recreation center designs in Baltimore and El Paso show that cities can offer high-level fitness services that improve the well-being of all.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/metropolismag.com\/projects\/recreation-center-design\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"This Isn&#039;t Your Grandmother&#039;s Rec Center\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Move over, Equinox and SoulCycle. 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