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Decatur Recreation Center Project Shows Major Progress

Construction on the new Decatur Recreation Center continues to progress, with city leaders reporting visible progress as the project moves past the halfway point.

District One Councilman Terrance Adkins and Decatur Parks and Recreation Director Hunter Allen toured the site Wednesday morning and provided updates on the facility’s scope, timeline, and community impact.

The roughly 100,000-square-foot recreation center is now about 65 percent complete and is designed to serve as a central hub for recreation, wellness, and community activities across Decatur.

“We’re really at the point where you can see it coming together,” Allen said. “Every time we walk the site, there’s clear progress, and now the interior work shows what this facility is going to be for the city.”

The facility will feature four basketball courts with volleyball capability, an elevated walking track, flexible programming spaces, fitness and wellness equipment, outdoor courtyards, playgrounds, and a competition-style aquatic center.

“This gives Decatur a central place for people from all five districts to come together,” Allen said. “Having recreation, youth sports, and wellness programs in one location is a big step forward.”

The overall program budget is approximately $52 million. Planning and construction have been underway for several years, with completion targeted for August and a public opening shortly thereafter.

“I’m excited about what I’m seeing,” Adkins said. “Watching this project move from demolition to construction shows that real work is happening.”

Adkins said the recreation center reflects a broader effort to improve the city’s parks and facilities.

“This shows we’re being intentional about our parks and what we want to do going forward,” he said. “Parks and Recreation is taking charge and moving things in the right direction.”

City officials say public interest remains high as residents anticipate the facility’s opening.

“There’s a lot of excitement,” Allen said. “Our goal is to offer as many programs and activities as possible once the doors open.”

Adkins encouraged residents to take full advantage of the new space once construction is complete.

“It’s a great facility, and it’s something the whole city can use,” he said.