LOCATION
Thornton, Colorado
OWNER
City of Thornton
SQUARE FOOTAGE
81,200
CONSTRUCTION COST
$37.6 Million
COMPLETION
2019

BACKGROUND
In 2013 The City of Thornton conducted a feasibility study to determine the community’s recreational needs. Initially, the thought of the parks and recreation staff was to connect a rec facility to the neighboring Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center, the 50-meter Olympic pool built in 2010. The feasibility study process determined that the community needs differed from the services Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center provided. Adapting to the needs of their growing community, City leadership veered from their original idea, and the design of a completely new building began.

Trail Winds Recreation Center is an 81,200 sf, LEED certified, facility that houses community recreation areas plus a senior center wing, licensed preschool, child watch, multipurpose rooms with an attached kitchen, and outdoor/indoor playground. A colorful frame motif creates moments of living photographs throughout the space as participants pass by them in action.

As you enter the main entrance, guests are greeted with a double-height space with views into the natatorium and the 25’ high climbing pinnacle at the end of the entry. On the recreation side of the center, there is an activity pool with four bodies of water inclusive of a therapy pool, a four-lane lap pool, a lazy river with beach entry, a hot tub, and two 20’ tall slides. Centrally located are locker rooms, a family changing room, and two ‘wet’ party rooms. There is a gym with four pickleball/volleyball courts, one large basketball court, and two cross courts. There are two dance/aerobics rooms and one spin/yoga room adjacent to the gym. These spaces also have direct access to the outdoor fitness garden, where there is space for outdoor yoga, cross-training and aerobics classes on nice days. There is a walk/jog track on the mezzanine level that allows views into the pool, fitness, and gym areas. The fitness area completes the mezzanine level with weights, cardio equipment, and warm up/cool down spaces.

The Active Adult wing includes a separate entrance, lounge, classrooms, treatment and a multipurpose room.