New Huffhines Rec Center grand opening set Oct. 17

A little more than a year ago the dirt was tossed at the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Huffhines Recreation Center. The construction is now complete and the grand opening and ribbon cutting Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. will officially open the center.The new 25,000 square foot facility promises to be a family-friendly, neighborhood-enhancing place for lifelong learning, movement and fun. The center is situated at the southwest corner of Huffhines Park where the Huffhines family homestead once stood. The design of the building is reminiscent of ball parks built at the turn of the 20th century and incorporates bricks quarried from the old “brick road” that was Greenville Avenue.

The center was planned using input from Richardson residents and nationally renowned recreation specialists.

The new facility features:

• a full-size gymnasium (one large basketball court, or two smaller courts, or two volleyball courts, or three badminton courts);
• a multi-purpose area that can be divided into three rooms  adjacent to a dance studio with a sprung wood floor—the area can be opened for use as a recital space with stage;
• an outdoor classroom area;
• a dedicated preschool area with outdoor play area;
• an adult fitness facility with new equipment for cardio, circuit and strength training;
• locker rooms with showers;
• a sauna;
• games room;
• classrooms;
• lobby/reception area;
• warming kitchen;
• a covered entry canopy and tower element situated along a drop-off lane at the west side of the building;
• a pedestrian bridge that spans the Duck Creek Tributary to allow access to additional parking spaces along Plano Road.

The building is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) facility. LEED is a rating system developed by the United States Green Building Council to define and measure a “green building.” The center utilizes construction that maximizes natural light to cut down on energy use. Energy-efficient plumbing and air conditioning is used and the building is constructed with regional materials and elements

Online Class Registration

New online class registration available. Make sure you have your Login ID and Pin ready. Click here for classes online.

A variety of recreational classes and special activities are offered at the center for preschoolers to adults.  Minimum class fees are charged and instructors are qualified, skilled individuals.  Sessions vary in length and are offered four times each year.  For convenience, class registration is offered through mail-in, walk-in, phone, and On-line registration.  MasterCard and Visa are accepted. If a class is filled, individuals will be put on a waiting list and called if space becomes available.  Every effort is made to offer duplicate classes where there is a demand.  Refunds for classes are made when requested by the day following the first class meeting.  Classes are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not met.

Areas are available for free play in the Gameroom and in the gymnasiums.  Table tennis is available and numerous other games may be checked out.  Basketballs are available in the gym at no charge.

Huffhines Recreation Center Membership Fees