LITTLE ROCK — Work will begin next week to replace Little Rock’s Adult Leisure Center at University Park, almost three years after the center was destroyed in an October 2009 fire.
The facility, which will be renamed The Centre at University Park, is the city’s only community center focused specifically on senior and adult recreation.
Haggling between the city and its insurance company over what materials could be reused in the new center delayed construction.
The insurance matter was settled last summer for about $2 million. With the 1 percentage point increase in the sales tax approved last September, the city was able to add an additional $980,000 to rebuild the 15,000-squarefoot building.
After site work and demolition costs, the city will spend $2.7 million on the center, which is scheduled to open in 2013, said Mark Webre, assistant parks and recreation director.
A city event Monday showcased some improvements planned for the facility, including moving it closer to 12th Street for greater visibility. Parking will be moved behind the building, and new outdoor plazas with tables and other amenities will be added.
Mayor Mark Stodola said the center will incorporate space for activities most popular among the city’s senior citizens.
“This will be a rejuvenation of the community center we had before,” he said. “This is in the heart of the city, and it draws people from all parts of the city. It’s a great opportunity to bring us all together.”
Stodola said that while the improvements will be paid for partially through sales-tax funding, the original center was built in 1992 using the city’s dedicated infrastructure millage. He reminded community members at the event Monday of the city’s referendum to reduce and extend that millage on Sept. 11.
The fire that destroyed the old facility in 2009 started in the mechanical room and was ruled an accident by investigators. No one was injured in the blaze.
“I got a call about the fire, and when I arrived at the site the next day I was in dismay and shock at the extent of the damage,” said Ward 6 Director Doris Wright.
“I mourned the loss of this facility, and I heard many calls from the community members to rebuild it. I was especially touched by the loss and determined to rebuild the center.”
The city has four other community centers - Dunbar, East Little Rock, Southwest Little Rock and Stephens - as well as a therapeutic recreation center on West Markham Street. The city has plans to build another community center in Ward 6 with sales-tax money - the West Central Community Center and Pool.
Arkansas, Pages 7 on 08/21/2012