Henderson senior center, pool facility near completion

By Jeremy Twitchell

Saturday, April 25, 2009 | 1:59 a.m.

Looking at the two shells on the southeast corner of Burkholder Boulevard and Racetrack Road in Henderson, it's hard to imagine either as a senior center or aquatics facility.

The pipes are exposed, entire sections of wall have yet to be built and most of the windows are little more than gaping holes in the brick and mortar.

But major work on the sites are done, and crews are entering the finishing stages of construction. Recent delays with construction materials for the senior center and obtaining approval for the pool design from the Southern Nevada Health District pushed the project back by more than a month, but the senior center and aquatics facility are expected to be complete in September and October, respectively, city officials say.

Friday afternoon, construction managers took members of the Henderson Parks and Recreation Board on a site tour to show off what's been done, tout the buildings and green features, and explain the vision for the finished product.

"We've worked a long time," city architect Mark Hobaica said. "This is a big achievement to be at this point. It's gratifying to see the buildings being erected. We're close to the time when these buildings will start to be finished and it's an exciting time."

Hobaica said the city is working with contractor Rafael Construction to try to recoup some of the lost time.

"I'm pleased with the progress," Hobaica said. "In any construction job, we're going to have some hiccups every once in a while, but nothing we can't work through."

One of the greatest features of the new facilities, Hobaica and builders said, is the attention to sustainability and conservation. Both facilities use geothermal heating -- drawn from 190 wells drilled 400 feet beneath the parking lot -- as well as abundant natural light, recycled construction materials and energy- and water-conserving fixtures.

Both facilities are expected to be certified by the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

Members of the Parks and Recreation Board said they were impressed by the long list of amenities the two facilities will offer.

In the senior center, patrons will have access to an exercise room, game room, dance room, wellness center, two craft rooms, a demonstration kitchen with regular cooking classes, a mini-mart store and outdoor plaza complete with bocce ball.

The aquatics facility will have a 14-lane competition pool and a shallow therapy pool, separate senior lockers and family bathrooms.

"I think this is absolutely awesome," board member Jim Perkins said. "This is what the city needs for seniors as well as everyone else in the community. ... I think with what's going on in Henderson right now, this is the place to live in Nevada. We love parks; we love seniors. This is the place to be."

Hobaica said the aquatics facility has been toned down in size and features because of the city's budget situation, but that the design leaves room for a future expansion that will include an outdoor play area and outdoor competition pool.