City officials and hundreds of excited residents attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of the newly renovated and expanded Willie B. Johnson Recreation Center on November 1.
The 38-year-old facility, located in the Hamilton Park neighborhood, was expanded from 6,400 square feet to 28,400 square feet and now includes a 12,000-square-foot gym, touch-free bathrooms, and a dedicated senior space.
The existing fitness center, kitchen, and program rooms were updated, the parking lot was expanded, and a paved outdoor walking trail was added.
A new technology center at the facility will allow visitors to access STEM programs, 3D printing, and more. High school seniors can take advantage of free WORKiTS (Workforce Innovative Technologies and Solutions) certification.
The technology programs offered will eventually be expanded, according to Crystal R. Ross, the Dallas Park and Recreation Deputy Director.
“The type of technology programs we will put in place at Willie B. Johnson certainly will set this center and Hamilton Park on a different trajectory when it comes to exposing youth to the marvels of technology,” Ross said.
The center’s green amenities include energy-efficient heating and cooling, window glazing, an irrigation system, water-saving landscaping, and a solar array that provides power for the building’s indoor and outdoor lighting system.
The $8.8 million expansion project was funded as part of a city bond program.
John D. Jenkins, the Director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, stated the expansion could not have happened without the support of the neighborhood residents.
“This expansion happened because residents joined other Dallas voters to approve a $362 million-dollar bond program in 2017,” Jenkins said. “Knowing that they support our park and recreation system helps our city and department keep investing in facilities to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities.”
The Hamilton Park Civic League president, Thomas Jefferson, shared that neighborhood residents have been excited to see the center reopened.
“We depend on the recreation center much like we depend on our churches and schools,” Jefferson said. “We rally around our schools, churches, and this center because they are the heart of Hamilton Park. We’ve been waiting to use the center and today is more than a blessing.”
Dallas City Council Member Adam McGough also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and spoke about the history of the Hamilton Park communities. “During my time as a public servant, I have learned that some celebrations are a little more significant than others. This is one of the big ones,” he said.
“The story of the Hamilton Park and Lake Highlands communities coming together to advocate for inclusion of this special project in the 2017 Bond Program is one to remember, and it’s an honor to celebrate, finally, with the community, the fruits of our labor,” McGough said. “This facility with first-class amenities will be a gathering place for neighbors for generations to come, and I can’t wait to experience it alongside all those who rallied to bring this important vision to life.”
