Here’s a sneak peek inside Allen’s upcoming recreation center

Allen’s new recreation center is set to feature airy, open spaces and multiple exercise options when it opens in the spring of 2023. The public was given the first glimpse of the new facility’s interior during a city workshop on Oct. 13, when the City of Allen Parks and Recreation division revealed interior renderings for the future Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center.

The new 149,000-square-foot facility will sit on Exchange Parkway, south of Ridgeview Drive. The $54 million project by BRS Architects will feature a modern, sleek interior with some flexible spaces and community rooms.

1/6Renderings of the future Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center in Allen, created by BRS Architects.(Courtesy Photo/City of Allen)

2/6Renderings of the future Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center in Allen, created by BRS Architects.(Courtesy Photo/City of Allen)

3/6Renderings of the future Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center in Allen, created by BRS Architects.(Courtesy Photo/City of Allen)

4/6Renderings of the future Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center in Allen, created by BRS Architects.(Courtesy Photo/City of Allen)

5/6Renderings of the future Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center in Allen, created by BRS Architects.(Courtesy Photo/City of Allen)

6/6Renderings of the future Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center in Allen, created by BRS Architects.(Courtesy Photo/City of Allen)

According to the parks department, amenities will include:

• An indoor playground
• A child watch area
• Two gymnasiums with multiple courts
• A vaulted indoor walking and jogging track
• An adventure track
• Weight and cardio areas
• Group fitness areas
• A catering kitchen
• An outdoor fitness deck
• An open, spacious lobby

Parks and Recreation Director Kate Meacham also discussed the city’s goals for memberships during the city workshop.

It’s estimated that 20% of households in Allen’s market area have at least one type of membership to a local fitness facility. Whether its a youth, family, adult or senior membership, Meacham added that the division’s conservative goal for the Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center is to pull in at least one type of membership from about 7% of households in Allen’s market area.

She said most Allen facilities currently have an al la carte model, which means members pay for each activity they participate in, in addition to a monthly or annual membership. But to compete with other fitness facilities in the area, the city is looking at other operational methods.

“The al la carte method is a tried and true method,” Meacham said during the workshop. “However, more of the fitness facilities today are going to the more all inclusive. We try to bundle as many things as possible to that membership package, so they get more bang for their buck.”

She said, if they choose an all-inclusive model, they would try to build the biggest bundle they could, which may include access to about 50 group fitness classes per week, child care and discounted facility rentals, as well as some other amenities.

Discussions about the bundle package have also included potential access to Joe Farmer Recreation Center, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, Allen Senior Recreation Center and Ford Pool — and maybe even the Allen Community Ice Rink, Meacham said.

The goal is to cross-promote and build the biggest collection of services possible for its members, she added.