What’s New at Heitzman Rec Center?
Hello friends! It’s been a long year… and we are excited to share some updates on the upcoming Heitzman Rebuild Project.
What have we been up to?
We've been working towards understanding community needs and finding new ways to work during the pandemic. We have finalized the designs and are excited about moving towards construction! If you were unable to join us at our recent community event, don't fret! We're sharing all of the exciting details of what's to come at Heitzman Rec Center!
We're thankful to everyone who made it Heitzman Rec Center on Wednesday, July 7, making our Rebuild event a success. Here are a few highlights from the afternoon:
The Harrowgate Civic Association handed out popcorn.
Darlene Abner-Burton came out in the heat to share information about COVID for Esperanza Health Center.
The Philadelphia Water Department shared updates on work they are planning for Heitzman field this fall.
McPherson library shared upcoming events planned for the summer.
We had fun playing soccer with Jim Hardy and the Kensington Soccer League.
Local artist John C. Zerbe used his talents in a fun art project for the children.
We enjoyed a beautiful performance from Heitzman's cheerleading squad, the Amber Owls, led by Mimi Martinez!
Rebuild staff were there all afternoon to hand out cold water and provide additional information on their city-wide initiative to improve public spaces
Tom lineman of the Juniata News came out And once again showed his commitment to the community.
We were proud to introduce our speakers, Angela Dixon from Rebuild, Councilman Mark Squilla and the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Kathryn Ott Lovell.
Finally, a special thank you to Jackie Duamie, Heitzman’s Rec Center Leader, for her help and support pulling this event together
Project Overview
Play areas
Athletic courts
Courtyard
Gym
Community rooms
Our site plan includes NEW playgrounds, swings and adult fitness equipment; NEW game tables and trees for shade; improvements to the outdoor basketball court; and a NEW multi-sport mini pitch!
Interior Updates
We're making tons of improvements inside the building. These include:
REFINISHED community room: The community room will include a new kitchenette and storage room.
NEW Multipurpose Room: The old showers will be turned into new multi-purpose room.
NEW Exterior windows: We're installing new windows in both the community room and office.
ENTRANCE: new glass entry doors and new sign above entrance.
NEW Bathrooms: The bathrooms will be reconfigured to be ADA-accessible and provide direct access from the outside. There will be a separate new gender-neutral restroom.
NEW exterior water fountain/bottle filler.
IMPROVED gym: Floors will be resurfaced and restriped and we'll be installing new wall pads, new equipment, new heating and air-conditioning throughout!
Where are we in the process?
What's coming up?
We will keep the community informed of our progress. Construction begins THIS FALL! We will have a Groundbreaking Event with Community Information about (temporary!) site closure during construction. Stay tuned for more information and follow along on Facebook:
@heitzmanrec
@RodriguezConsulting
@ImpactServicesCorp
Are you interested in volunteering at Heitzman in the future? For more info contact Erin Farrell efarrell@impactservices.org.