Constructing a community recreation building: a checklist [June 1966]

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Constructing I Community Recreation Building:
~ .A. Checklist

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THE GEORGIA RECREATION COMMISSION

7 Hunter Street, S.W.
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Atlanta, Georgia 30334
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FOREWORD
Planning a functional community recreation building that will serve a variety of age groups and activity interests simultaneously is necessary in justifying the expenditure of public funds for recreation.
From time to time and for many different reasons recreation buildings are designed and constructed with many mistakes which limit its practical recreational use. A good portion of these really simple mistakes are made over and over again because the buildings are designed by architects whose experience in recreation planning is limited.
It is readily agreed that to avoid most of the mistakes which have been made by others, a professional recreation planner or architect should be called in to do the job. He has the past experience to know what the little details are in recreation design. This, however, for financial or other reasons, cannot always be done.
This check list has been prepared as a guide in the construction of recreation buildings where recreation designers cannot be retained. It should not, however, be mistaken as a replacement for the trained architect.
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INTRODUCTION The purpose of this publication is to acquaint recreation officials, architects and others concerned with planning and constructing community recreation buildings with those factors deemed essential by recreation leaders and maintenance men who will operate the facilities, as well as patrons. Space has been made available opposite each checkpoint whereby the book can be put to practical use. The recreation director and architect, separately or together, can go through these points one by one and check the appropriate answer such as: yes, no, proposed, omitted, etc. Recreation officials should keep in mind that in order to make certain these mistakes are eliminated in their new building, these things should be incorporated in the specifications by the architect.
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THE COMMUNITY RECREATION BUILDING FUNCTION:
The Community Recreation Building serves to provide the facilities necessary to serve the recreation needs of the community. Idealistically, the building will be combined with a playground or park and other facilities such as a swimming pool, ice rink, etc. depending upon the area and the people served.
DEVELOPMENT: The size and type of Recreation building should reflect the intensity
of use resulting from varying degrees of population density and the size of the area served.
Relationship to school and other recreation facilities should be considered.
Functional design will greatly facilitate maintenance and supervision of the center building.
OPERATIONAL AREAS IN THE CENTER BUILDING:
1. Office 2. Staff Office 3. Maintenance Workshop and Staff Room 4. Heating Plant 5. Equipment Issue Office 6. Gym Office
7. Gymnasium 8. First Aid Room 9. Gymnastics and Apparatus Room
10. Locker and Shower Rooms 11. Auditorium and Stage 12. Arts and Crafts Room 13. Ceramics Workshop 14. Woodshop
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15. Kitchenette 16. Dance Studio 17. Game Room 18. :Meeting and Club Rooms 19. Television Room 20. Library and Reading Room 21. Science Room 22. Photography Dark Room 23. Nature Room 24. Pre-School Room 25. Rhythms Room NOTE: Not all of these rooms will be found in a center and some centers may include rooms not listed above.

CHECKLIST

I.

General Design Requirements

1. Attractive, colorful, design exterior and interior.

2. Clear definition of operating areas and rooms labeled.

3. Facilitates circulation.

4. Entrances adequate for any occasion and easily accessible.

5. Provision for closing and locking sections not in use.

6. Avoid use of excessive steps.

7. Safety features incorporated.

8. Heating and ventilation provides proper thermal and atmospheric conditions.

9. Rooms adequately lighted and free from shadows.

10. Light colors used in rooms.

11. Corners below door height rounded.

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12. No projections into traffic or game area.
13. Double stairways avoided.
14. Steel kick plates on all doors.
15. Nonskid and easily maintained materials and for flooring and colors that do not show dirt. (unglazed tile)
16. Windows above ground level and not too high to clean.
17. Drinking fountains located in protected areas at convenient places and secured to wall.
18. All finished surfaces easily cleaned.
19. Joints well-fitted and moisture resistant.
20. Gutters and downspouts located to get water off roof and away from the building.
21. Heavy stops on free swinging doors.
22. Some rooms without windows in doors.
23. Provisions for books and coats.

II.

Electric

A. Interior

1. Adequate wall outlets.

2. Master controls located in office.

3. Thermostat control in office with guard, when in rooms not for public use.

4. Light switches operated by key or in panel boxes.

5. Lights installed flush with ceiling and protected in gym.
6. Clocks installed flush with wall.
7. Adequate outlets for kilns, power equipment, electric scoreboard, public address, movie projectors, cleaning equipment and phone service.
8. Wiring sizes large enough to carry anticipated load.

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9. Auxiliary service wiring segregated. 10. Wirin_s diagrams coded and recorded.

B. Exterior 1. Adequate vandal proof vandal lighting. 2. Field lighting controllable from inside building. 3. Waterproof wall outlets. 4. Aluminum light standards. 5. Moisture proof lighting units.

III.

Plumbing

1. Hot and cold water provided.

2. Adequate pressure and supply.

3. Heavy duty fixtures in public restrooms.

4. Push type handles for sinks and showers.

5. Steel porcelain covered fixtures.

6. Pipes concealed where possible.

7. Deep sinks provided for mop cleaning.

8. Adequate drains provided.

9. Exterior water outlets.

10. Adequate drinking fountains. 11. Hot water in rest rooms so they can be washed
down. 12. Toilet paper dispensers recessed. 13. Clay tile drain joints protected against root
penetration. 14. Non-corroding floor drains. 15. Toilet room fixtures properly anchored.

16. Cut-off valves easily accessible.

IV.

Supervision

1. Building entrance, lobby, and playground area easily observed from office.

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2. Rooms open off central corridor or lobby.
3. Sections of building not in use easily closed and locked from rest of building.
4. Adequate lighting.
5. To prevent loitering - no hiding places - no natural sitting places - niches, etc.
6. Public telephones should be in places where they can be supervised. (Not in Lobby). Height low enough for small children to use.

V.

Storage Areas

1. Large central storage space for supplies.

2. Space for heavy supplies and equipment.

3. Space for off season athletic equipment and supplies.

4. Storage rooms well ventilated.

5. Maintenance closets with sink on each level.

6. Adequate storage space in each room.

7. Overhead storage racks, hooks and shelves.

VI.

Lobby and Corridors

1. Attractive and well lighted.

2. Facilitate efficient traffic flow.

3. Bulletin Board.

4. Enclosed show cases with locks.

5. Drinking fountain.

6. No places to sit or loiter.

7. Floor material easily cleaned and color that doesn't show dirt.

VII.

Office

1. Affords good view of entrance, hall and play area.

2. Attractive and well lighted.

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VIII. IX. X. XI. XII.

3. Large enough for staff conferences. 4. Sufficient storage space. 5. Soundproof.
Staff Room 1. Provides privacy for staff. 2. Staff locker rooms adjacent equip with showers, toilets, and lockers for the staff - separate for men and women. 3. Desks and file cabinets available.
Maintenance Staff Room and Workshop 1. Shower, toilet and lockers provided. 2. Storage space for supplies. 3. Adequate equipment and work benches. 4. Located away from main traffic areas.
Equipment Issue Office- Summer 1. Exterior opening facing playground area. 2. Storage racks and hooks. 3. Easily closed off from the rest of the building.
Gym Office 1. Affords good view of gym and gym entrance. 2. Storage space for equipment. 3. Adjacent toilet, shower, and locker facilities for staff.
First Aid Room 1. Toilet and lavatory facilities with hot and cold water. 2. Electric outlets. 3. Ample door space for passage of stretcher. 4. Adjacent to dressing rooms.
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XIII. XIV.

Gymnasium 1. Designed for multipurpose use with volleyball, badminton, and other appropriate markings on the floor. 2. Lines for cross court basketball. 3. Padding at ends of basketball court. 4. Floors with non-slip finish. 5. Locks in floor for volleyball and badminton standards. 6. Walls made of poreous material to absorb sound, above 8 feet, with glazed tile below. 7. Ceiling at least 22' preferred 24' high. 8. No "dust catching" girders. 9. Wall material- non-abrasive, resident to hard use and sound absorbing. 8 feet high and covered.
10. Separate thermostat and ventilation system for gymnasium.
11. Unbreakable light fixtures - enable easy bulb replacement.
12. Windows - very high if used and provided with shades for darkening or to keep out sun.
13. Partition to separate gym. 14. Folding stands. 15. Separate entrances to locker rooms. 16. Rest rooms if available located at end of gym
opposite entrance. 17. Basketball goals firmly attached to backboards. 18. Ceiling good substantial surface.
Gymnastic and Apparatus Room 1. Ceiling height 22'. 2. Minimum size 50' x 80'.
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XV. XVI.

3. Rings and ropes available. 4. Hooks for mat storage. (preferably mat cut) 5. Storage space for equipment. 6. Platform for weights.
Locker and Shower Rooms 1. Floors of non-slip material impervious to moisture and sloped to drains. 2. Lockers raised 8" off the floor and firmly secured. 3. Individual dressing stalls in girls locker room. 4. Benches in dressing rooms. 5. Mirrors in dressing rooms. 6. Frosted glass used in windows. 7. Ventilation provided and steam exhaust in shower area. 8. Shower fixtures of push or pull type. 9. Different height showers provided. 10. Soap dishes recessed in wall. 11. Lavatory fixtures not under windows. 12. Locks on doors.
Auditorium and Stage 1. Designed to serve as a multipurpose room. 2. Windows placed high and provided with blackout curtains or shades. 3. Designed for good acoustics. 4. Electrical outlets for movie projectors and other electrical equipment. 6. Dimmers for stage lighting. 7. Cover for footlights when not in use. 8. Storage space for chairs under stage.
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XVII. XVIII. XIX.

9. Stage curtains made of material easily cleaned and fireproof.
10. Dressing rooms located off stage with mirrors and lavatory facilities.
Arts and Crafts Room 1. Floors and walls easily cleaned. 2. Formica or similar tops on all work areas. 3. Deep sinks provided at two heights for children
and adults. 4. Sufficient storage space. 5. Bulletin boards and blackboards. 6. Display shelves or cases.
Ceramics Workshop 1. High voltage outlets for kilns. 2. Deep sinks. 3. Formica tops on all working areas. 4. Floors and walls easily cleaned. 5. Ventilation system. 6. Storage lockers. 7. Drying shelves. 8. Display case.
Woodshop 1. Adequate electrical outlets. 2. Work benches secured to floor. 3. Power equipment placed away from areas of heavy traffic flow and work benches. Safety lines painted. 4. Deep sink. 5. Exhaust fan. 6. Drying room or drying racks.
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XX. XXI. XXII.
XXIII.

7. Storage space for equipment and supplies. 8. Bulletin board.
Kitchenette 1. Exhaust fan. 2. Serving counter. 3. Equipment - sink, stove, refrigerator, coffee maker, electrical outlets and shelves or cabinets to store equipment. 4. Adjacent to meeting rooms with doors leading to these rooms.
Dance Studio 1. Full length mirrors. 2. Exercise bars - two heights. 3. Dressing rooms available.
Game Room 1. Sound absorbing material for walls and ceiling. 2. Lights recessed with unbreakable covers. 3. Game lines drawn in the floor - floor of color which won't show dirt. 4. Bulletin boards. 5. Benches attached to walls. 6. Adjacent storage space for equipment. 7. Clothes rack or hooks and place for books. 8. Separate areas for quiet games. 9. Equipment storage provided with lock.
Meeting and Club Rooms 1. Large room or rooms with partitions to make smaller rooms - designed so they can be locked, closed, or opened.
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XXIV. XXV. XXVI.

2. Bulletin boards and blackboards. 3. Cabinets with locks. 4. Electrical outlets.
Rest Rooms 1. Adequate ventilation. 2. Frosted glass with wire or glass brick windows. 3. Small but functional to avoid them becoming a hangout. 4. Locks on all doors. 5. Located close to gym and auditorium. 6. Easily supervised location. 7. Sanitary napkin dispenser and disposal. 8. Mirror not over wall basin. 9. Toilet stalls built to ceiling.
Furnace Room 1. Located away from heavily used area. 2. Locks on doors. 3. Furnaces and boilers located to provide access for cleaning, repairing and replacing. 4. Fire doors. 5. Adequate clearance and drainage in heating pipes. 6. Heat lines easily replaced. 7. Allowance for expansion.
Building Materials 1. Surface materials giving pleasing appearance easily maintained and durable. 2. Washable surface. 3. Shock resistant, glass or plastic used.
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4. Use of stainless steel or aluminum to reduce maintenance.
5. Building hardware durable and easily maintained.
BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF AREAS IN THE COMMUNITY RECREATION BUILDING
1. Main Office-minimum 120 sq. ft. with equipment storage space.
2. Staff Office-80 sq. ft. should be furnished for each staff memberdressing and shower facilities located adjacent.
3. Maintenance Workshop and Staff Room-minimum 150 sq. ft. with equipment-can be closed off from the rest of the building-outside entrance.
4. Equipment Issue Office-primarily for summer use in issuing equipment can be closed off from the rest of the building-outside entrance.
5. Gym Office-minimum 120 sq. ft. with equipment storage spaceaffords observation of gym and gym entrance.
6. First Aid Room-located close to gym and playground area-contain lavatory-entrance large enough to permit movement of stretcher in and out.
7. Gymnasium-Designed for multi-purpose use with a clear basketball space of 100' x 66' x 8' safety space on sides and ends of courts. Floor markings for three volleyball 60' x 30' and six badminton 20' x 44' courts. Ceiling minimum of 22'-preferably 24'.
8. Gymnastics and Apparatus Room-Minimum size 50' x 80' with ceiling height of 22' to accommodate rings and standard 20' climbing rope. Located adjacent to gym.
9. Locker and Shower Rooms-Located adjacent to gym. Shower, toilet, lavatory, locker and dressing facilities included.
10. Auditorium and Stage-Medium sized room designed for multi-purpose use. Located away from the gym. Accoustics the major factor in design.
11. Arts and Crafts Room-Deep sinks installed at different heights for both adults and children. Construction materials easily cleaned by washing.
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12. Ceramics Workshop-Located away from main traffic areas, equipment to include kilns, potters wheels, work tables, drying shelves, deep sinks, and storage lockers.

13. Woodshop-Designed to serve all ages in wood and metal projects. Power-equipment safety consideration prime factor in room arrangement.

14. Kitchenette-Area for social functions. Includes: serving counter, sink, stove, refrigerator, coffee maker, electrical outlets and shelves or cabinet storage place. May be placed in rear of auditorium or a meeting room with a partition to enclose it when not in use.

15. Dance Studio-Minimum 50' x 80' with ballet bars and full length mirrors.

16. Game Room-Serves as a center of activity in the building. Room should be designed acoustically to keep noise at a minimum. An area should be set aside in this room or a separate room provided for quiet games.

17. Meeting and club rooms-Rooms designed to serve many activities. One larger room may be provided with partitions to make two or three smaller rooms.

18. TV Room-Library and reading room-Science room-Photography dark room-Nature room-Rhythm room and Pre-school room if included should be especially designed to serve that particular activity.

NOTE:

The majority of buildings will not include all of the above facilities. In many cases a few rooms may be designed to combine many of the activities listed as being conducted in separate rooms above.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Appreciation is expressed to John G. Williams, former Director of Recreation and Parks in DeKalb County, Georgia, for his contributions in compiling the information in this publication.

FUNCTIONS OF THE S1'ATE RECREATION COMMISSION
The Georgia Recreation Commission is an advisory agency of State government. It is the responsibility of the Commission to render consulting services, upon request, to the State's political subdivisions on matters relating to recreation.
The following are among the specific services offered to Georgia cities and counties:
1. To study and appraise recreation needs of the State and specific communities.
2. To cooperate in the promotion and organization of local recreation departments for counties and municipalities.
3. To advise local recreation departments in the planning and financing of their program.
4. To provide assistance in securing and improving local and state recreation legislation.
5. To assist cities and counties in obtaining qualified recreation leadership.
6. To serve as a clearing house for the exchange, publication, and dissemination of information regarding recreation programs, plans, and services.
7. To promote institutes and workshops on all phases of recreation. 8. To promote standards of recreation leadership, finance, areas and
facilities, and programs.
Additional information and assistance may be obtained from:
THE GEORGIA RECREATION COMMISSION
7 Hunter Street, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Telephone: 524-5550