• double gymnasium
• 1/8-​mile indoor walking/jogging track
• fitness areas with free weights, circuit weight equipment, cardiovascular equipment, group fitness class and dance space
• indoor pool with zero-depth entry, six 25-meter lap lanes, two 1-meter diving boards, aqua track, leisure pool and water play components
• therapeutic recreation program space
• locker rooms and family changing areas
• three child development rooms
• seven multipurpose rooms
• kitchenette​
• improved parking and pedestrian access

Rendering of the indoor pool area​​​​​​​​​​​​

A 2009 facility assessment rated the overall condition of the facility as “poor.” Improvements were needed for accessibility and ADA compliance, and the plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems were nearing the end of their lifecycles. The existing pool and associated infrastructure would have required additional significant renovations.

A consultant, HBA Architecture, evaluated potential cost savings and lifecycle costs associated with retaining the existing pool and other portions of the facility, particularly those components that were renovated in the last five years. Both HBA and City staff recommended demolishing the existing structure and constructing an entirely new building, which has the lowest 30-year Estimated Cost of Energy and the lowest present value Total 30-Year Life Cycle Cost.

In May 2012, City Council approved the Kempsville Community Recreation Center Modernization. Based on the square footage and current construction costs, the project is estimated to cost $32 million. This includes design, construction, contingencies, furniture and equipment. ​

​Feedback on the draft concept plan was gathered during public meetings in early December 2013 and through Virtual Town Hall. All feedback gleaned from the public strongly influenced the final concept plan, posted above.

• December 2013: Draft concept plans shared with residents through public meetings & Virtual Town Hall
• February 2014 - March 2015: Consultant team developed detailed design and construction documents
• February 20, 2015: Kempsville Recreation Center closed
• March - May 2015: Kempsville Recreation Center demolished
• July 2015 - Early 2017: Construction of new Kempsville Recreation Center​
• June 2017:  The new Kempsville Recreation Center will open​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​