This month, the Southtown Beautification Committee selected the Southeast Community Center, 4201 E. 63rd St., as the Sparkle award recipient. The Center provides our area with a unique combination of new investment, added employment, and sustainable building.
The new Southeast Community Center in Swope Park replaces a nearby community center built in the early 1950s. The new facility is significantly larger than its predecessor, and includes expanded activities and new services. Some of the center's amenities include: an 11,000 sq ft gymnasium with a suspended 1/15 mile exercise track; a natatorium with activity pool, swim spa and therapy pool; fitness areas for aerobics and weights; special activity rooms; classroom space; multi-purpose meeting rooms with kitchen, and a lounge and fireplace.
The Park Department's investment in the center has significant economic impacts for Southtown. The $11.4 million project created 71 construction jobs, and resulted in seven new FTE (full-time equivalent) jobs at the center, in addition to the four jobs that were retained.
From a construction standpoint, the Southeast Center was designed to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification. LEED is a nationally accepted industry benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. The Center incorporates the latest technology for energy-efficient lighting and mechanical systems. The project uses ninety geo-thermal wells connected to the ground source heat pumps to provide heating and cooling for the majority of the building. Other sustainable measures include innovations with interior plumbing, use of local materials and passive lighting.
The Southeast Community Center is open Monday-Friday, 6am to 9pm; Saturday, 9am to 6pm; and Sunday 10am to 6pm. Visit the Park Department's website, www.kcmo.org/parks for more information. Congratulations to the Kansas City, Missouri Department of Parks & Recreation, and the staff of the Southeast Community Center for keeping Southtown sparkling!