Case Community Center Wins Excellence Award

The Case Community Center in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, designed by PSA-Dewberry, earned an Award of Excellence by the Oklahoma Recreation and Parks Society.

Case Community Center Wins Excellence Award

Sand Springs’ new Case Community Center is earning recognition for its facilities far beyond the city’s borders.

The center, located at 1050 W. Wekiwa Rd., earned an Award of Excellence for Recreational Facilities in the State of Oklahoma by the Oklahoma Recreation and Parks Society during its recent annual conference.

“It is an honor for our facility to be recognized statewide as a quality recreational venue,” said City Parks Director Grant Gerondale. “Officials in other communities who have visited the Case Center have been very impressed with its diverse recreational opportunities and top-flight facilities and amenities.”

He added: “Through the vision of our citizens, community leaders and generous contributors, we were able to build a community center the serves as an excellent model for quality recreational facilities.”

Opened in September, the Case Community Center provides 26,000 sq. ft. for recreational and community events, as well as private functions such as receptions and banquets. The building was funded through a $4.3 million bond issue approved by local voters in 2005. An additional $700,000 was raised from private sources to equip and furnish the building.

The equipment and furnishings are being well used, according to Parks Facilities Manager Jeff Edwards. In November, nearly 7,100 people visited the center – an average of 263 people per day.

“We are experiencing more than three times the usage of the old community center. People have really embraced the facility and are very impressed with its appearance and functionality,” Edwards said.

The Case Community Center features a full-sized gymnasium that can be converted to large banquet room. Meeting and activity rooms are also available, as well as exercise equipment and a walking track.

The facility can be rented for private events by calling 246-2661.

The gymnasium and walking track are among the most popular attractions – drawing around 4,700 users in November. The meeting rooms were used by more than 800 citizens. Other athletic events drew around 700 participants.

The center is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Although some facilities are reserved at certain times, there is also plenty of open time for citizen usage.

“The gym and activity rooms have become a popular venue for after-school activities. The mornings are often the domain of walkers and exercise equipment users. And, almost every part of the center is in use each evening,” Edwards said. “Our community’s investment in itself is really paying great dividends.”

 

Tags:

award • recreation • building

Share this story: