Park in Aiken Have New Renovation Plans for This Year After Community Drawback
After facing some criticism over forthcoming renovations for the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center and Park, new renovation plans are now underway. Smith-Hazel Recreation Center and Park is located in Aiken, SC.
Community members believe that the prior renovations fell short of expectations by not including a revamp of the gym floors in the plans.
These are the new renovations that have been allotted for the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center and Park:
Indoor Basketball Court
The center will receive new hardwood surfacing for the gym floors.
Restroom Upgrades and Accessibility improvements
Similar to the initial design plans for the park, the facility restroom, doors, and reception area will undergo renovation and design for ADA accessibility.
Walking Track and Shelter
A picnic shelter will be a part of the park additions, along with the existing shelter at the park. The ¼ mile trail will receive new surfacing and routing.
Playground
The existing playground will no longer be and the park will receive new playground equipment. The new playground equipment will include slides, climbing elements, swings, and artificial turf surfacing.
Fitness Room and Program Space
Senior adult programming and activity rooms for community fitness will be put together.
Tennis courts
They will demolish the current tennis court. Two more tennis courts will be a part of the park. The tennis courts will have a fence and be accessible by sidewalks.
Basketball courts
The existing basketball court will close. Two outdoor courts become a part of the park. They will have a fence and be accessible by sidewalks.
The Smith-Hazel Recreation Center and Park will close from December 2023 through May 2023 for construction and renovations.
The total budget for this renovation is 2.25 million dollars. The funding is being provided by Capital Project Sales Tax, Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant, and Parks and Recreation Development Grant.
Aiken is home to 13 other parks and park facilities, which include neighborhood and community parks, metro parks, signature parks, natural areas, and park attractive facilities. Parks are open from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted.
