The majority of Bow Creek Recreation Center is more than 50 years old. Originally constructed in the 1960s as a club house for a private country club and golf course, the city acquired the property in 1975. At that time, the golf course was opened to the public, and the club house was converted into a recreation center. In 1991, the outdoor pool was enclosed for year-round use, and the facility was expanded to 36,782 square feet to incorporate an indoor gymnasium and locker rooms. The decision to modernize was based on increased recreation center utilization and a 2009 condition assessment study that rated the overall condition as “poor.”
About the New Recreation Center
The new recreation center will be approximately 66,000 square feet with amenities to include:
- Indoor pool with play components and 25-yard lap lanes
- 2-court indoor gymnasium
- Various fitness spaces
- Weight room
- Childcare classrooms with dedicated playground
- Locker rooms with family changing areas
Impact to Patrons
In September 2012, after the new Williams Farm Recreation Center opens, Bow Creek Recreation Center will be closed. Staff will relocate to other Virginia Beach Recreation Centers. Demolition and construction of the new center will begin soon after and will continue over a period of two years. The golf course will remain open during this time, and the new Bow Creek Recreation Center is scheduled to open to the public in the fall of 2014.
Timeline and Background Information
- In 1960, the building that is now Bow Creek Recreation Center was constructed as a clubhouse for a private country club and golf course.
- Bow Creek Golf Course was acquired by the City and opened to the public in November 1975.
- In October 1979, the club house was converted into a recreation center and opened to the public.
- The outdoor pool was converted into an indoor pool, and a gymnasium and locker rooms were added in 1991.
- In June 2002, Bow Creek Neighborhood Park (3.6 acres) opened.
- A 2009 consultant's report evaluated the physical condition of the recreation center and determined the overall condition was "poor."
- A public open house about the concept plans is scheduled for January 11, 2012.
- The contract for the construction of the temporary golf pro shop and cart barn and the demolition of the recreation center is anticipated to be advertised in May 2012 with bids anticipated to open June 2012.
- Bow Creek Recreation Center will close in September 2012 when the Williams Farm Recreation Center opens.
- In October 2012, the contract for the construction of the recreation center will be advertised.
- In December 2012, the temporary golf pro shop and cart barn will be available for use and the existing recreation center will be demolished.
- A construction contract will awarded in January 2013 with construction anticipated to begin in early 2013.
- The new Bow Creek Recreation Center is expected to open in September 2014.