Northern Regional Recreation Center rendering
NORTH MECK | By Dave Yochum. July 23. The giant Northern Regional Recreation Center is expected to open in the first quarter of 2022 with 16 full-time and 89 part-time employees, according to Mecklenburg County Commissioner Elaine Powell, the North Meck representative on the county board.
The 41-acre site on Hwy. 115 includes 18 acres of uncleared, wooded property. The center will have an indoor track, gyms, exercise equipment, and swimming pools. There will even be a greenhouse.
Multiple uses
Mecklenburg County Commissioner Elaine Powell
It’s part fitness center, part community center.
All this was based on extensive community input—part of the process of designing and conceptualizing the 85,000-square-foot facility, Powell said.
The $40 million project is part of a $250 million parks and recreation bond package approved by voters in 2008. The county purchased the property in 2013 and added acreage before construction began last year.
Community role
Powell said community building and providing access for everyone are central to what Parks and Recreation does. “There is a place for everyone and everyone is welcome,” she said, explaining that social equity and health and wellness go hand-in-hand.
Sports
Northern Regional will be a host site for clinics and leagues for basketball, baseball, soccer, pickleball, cheer, futsal, disc golf, flag football, martial arts and badminton.
Seniors
Northern Regional is a Senior Citizens Nutrition Program feeding and activity site, with services such as meals, wellness coaching, tax preparation, social games, seasonal parties and SilverSneakers.
Youth
Services will include child watch, after-school, arts and crafts, homeschool meetups, parties, fitness and wellness and preschool activities.
Nature/Horticulture
Northern Regional has several trails and site amenities including water features, plant varieties, animals, and open play meadows. The facility will focus on the local horticultural history with classes and demonstration gardens.
Fees
Monthly plans start at $22 for youth ages 1 to 17, $45 for adults ages 18 to 54, and $22 for senior citizens age 55 and older. Family passes are $65 per month. Daily plans start at $8 for youth ages 1 to 17, $10 or adults ages 18 to 54, and $8 for senior citizens age 55 and older.
Address: 18117 Old Statesville Road, Cornelius
