Brunswick Rec Center starts remodeling projects

BRUNSWICK — The Brunswick Rec Center is undergoing remodeling for functional and cosmetic purposes. The project is partially funded by a $250,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Parks and Recreation Director Taylor Petkovsek said that about two years ago, the city began applying for a capital improvement grant from ODNR. The city matched that grant, so $500,000 is being put toward the project. The following capital improvements will be made to the rec center over the next month: Cleaning the air ducts Refinishing the gym floor Repainting areas of the building Replacing HVAC units and ceiling tiles "We don't have any plans to build a new building," Petkovsek said. "We are trying to do what we can to make improvements on the facility that we already have." The funding became available because of the pandemic, she said. As a result, the anti-microbial paint is being used to help reduce the spread of viruses, and the air ducts are being cleaned to improve ventilation. "A lot of these things you're not going to necessarily see like the cleaning of the air ducts or the new HVAC units, or like do you really care about a coat of paint?" Petkovsek said. "Probably not, but it's all going to help improve our health (and) be healthy as a recreation center." Over the past few years, there have been other upgrades to the Brunswick Rec Center, she said. For instance, the changing stalls in the men's locker room were recently replaced, the lockers, sinks and countertops are new and the men's sauna has been rebuilt. "All these pieces over time are coming together," Petkovsek said. "The painting and the air duct cleaning in there is kind of the last step." Remodeling will occur in the following stages that are subject to change: The women's locker room is closed for painting and should reopen by Saturday. The upstairs cardio and strength fitness area is anticipated to be closed from Monday until May 5 to clean air ducts and paint. The gymnasium and track should be closed from May 8 through May 12 to make improvements. The pool complex should be closed from May 15 through May 26 to drain the pool, work on the pool hydraulics, paint the pool area ceiling, power-wash the ground and put in new chaise lounge chairs and a diving board. Brunswick Rec Center members will be able to use the Strongsville Rec Center from May 1 through May 26 while the remodeling occurs. To use the facility, Brunswick members will have to show proof of an active Brunswick Rec Center membership. Visit bit.ly/3Hjl2Ff to see Strongsville's programs and hours of operation. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.