Help Design the New East Library and Recreation Center
By Allison Denny, Arlington Public Library
Posted on February 26, 2020, February 26, 2020

UTA students preview new East Library and Recreation Center

What do you want to see at the new East Library and Recreation Center? The City of Arlington and the UT Arlington College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs are seeking community input for technology-centered spaces in the new facility. Arlington residents are invited to take a quick and secure survey to share what features and technology they would like to see.

Architecture graduate students have been tasked with creating an outdoor community working space with a technology-centered innovation zone. Their goal is to create a space that is interactive, flexible and social. They will also incorporate some of the same technology available inside the library and recreation center.

With a goal of creating a space that truly serves the neighborhood, students have begun engaging the East Arlington community. They're gathering resident feedback now to guide their work. Completing this online survey is an easy way to take part in the design.

Click here to take the survey.

Portions of students’ research will include studying how current patrons of the Hugh Smith Recreation Center and the East Branch Library already use these spaces.

Like the current facilities, the East Library and Recreation Center is expected to be a community hub, engaging residents physically and mentally. Resident feedback on how the space is used is an important part of the design process.

The open-concept library will be full of shared resources such as books, children’s toys and public computers for residents of East Arlington. Free programs include bilingual early literacy storytimes, GED, ESL and other adult education classes and events for seniors.

The state-of-the-art recreation elements of the center include a gymnasium, indoor pool with party room, fitness center, locker rooms, group exercise room, community meeting rooms and outdoor amenities.

The outdoor innovation zone is funded through a $750,000 Texas Library and Archives Commission Grant. Arlington voters approved funding for the $26 million, 47,249-square-foot facility in the 2014 Bond Election. The new facility is expected to open this fall. 

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