The Reichardt Community Recreation Center is a 38,000 square foot, 2-story, new construction building that includes a gym, elevated walking track, indoor pool, fitness centers, and community rooms. The surrounding site design will include an outdoor community lawn, native planting areas, futsal court, and new parking lot. The facility will be managed and maintained by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. The project program and design were developed over a span of 3 years and included multiple public input, nearly 20 community meetings, and over 250 touch points. The Reichardt Community Recreation Center will be welcoming, safe, and sustainable while uplifting community growth, gathering, and connections across generations. 

The inclusive and equitable design process resulted in a building design that is highly reflective of the community and contextual surroundings. Considerable attention was given to the ways in which each façade is activated, with views of the activities within serving as a visual invitation to engage with the building. The warm material palette composed of vertical precast panels, insulated metal panels, and a perforated screen, was highly influenced by community members while textually reflecting the palette of surrounding buildings and residences. 

Energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, material resources, and sustainable sites contribute to the environmental stewardship of this project. The building has been designed to be all-electric in support of future 100% renewable electricity. It is an exemplary example of sustainable design that inspires this community. 

The project is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2026 and is targeting LEED Gold certification. 

Project Goals:
1. Enrich community programming and community gathering opportunities.
2. Create inclusive and equitable spaces.
3. Reflect this community in the design.
4. Respect history while being future focused.
5. Prioritize energy efficiency.
6. Operate efficiently and cost effectively.

Project Guiding Principles:
1. Foster a place for community.
2. Center physical, mental, and social well-being.
3. Celebrate neighborhood pride.
4. Consider generational impact in programming + operations.

Collaborators include: 

Co-Design with an emphasis on Building Interiors & Community Engagement: Latent Design, SPECcetera, C-Wise Design and Consulting, Bolton & Menk, KPFF, Design Engineers, Sports Facilities Companies, Counsilman-Hunsaker