Granby trustees explore options for new recreation center

The Town of Granby has not yet committed to building a new recreation center, but officials explored cost and feature options as part of an ongoing Parks and Recreation Master Plan update at a Jan. 27 Board of Trustees meeting.

Consultants from Norris Design presented updated community feedback, preliminary design concepts and cost estimates for two versions of the recreation center. No final decision was made at the meeting, but board members and staff signaled interest in further analysis — particularly of a third option: a smaller, “dry” recreation center that would not initially include a pool.

Construction on the proposed recreation center would begin in March 2028 and the center would be operational by March 2030, according to the presentation.

Strong community demand

Community outreach conducted over the past year showed consistent support for expanded indoor recreation in Granby, according to Norris Design’s presentation. In a town-wide survey asking residents how they would invest $10 in parks and recreation, more than 60% of responses prioritized indoor amenities, aquatics and trail connectivity, with indoor recreation receiving the largest share.

More than 85% of respondents said their indoor recreation needs are either only partially met or not met at all, and roughly two-thirds cited a lack of facilities as the primary reason. Survey comments frequently called for a family-oriented recreation center with fitness space, gym courts, youth programming areas and aquatics.

Aquatics ranked as one of the highest priorities, with many respondents stating plainly that Granby needs a recreation center with a pool.

Two preliminary options

Norris Design presented two conceptual recreation center options, both located on a site at the intersection of U.S. Highway 40 and U.S. Route 34, neighboring the Granby Dog Park and trails. Cost estimates assume construction beginning in 2028, with completion around 2030, and include construction, site work, soft costs, contingencies and inflation.

Option A, the smaller facility, would be approximately 38,900 square feet and include two middle-school-sized gym courts, a small lifestyle or activity pool of about 2,500 square feet, fitness space, classrooms, locker rooms and support areas. The estimated total project cost is $39.6 million.

Option B would be a larger, roughly 53,200-square-foot facility with two high-school-sized gym courts, a larger 3,600-square-foot lifestyle pool, expanded fitness and group exercise rooms, an indoor playground, bouldering wall, sauna and additional amenities. The estimated total project cost is $53.9 million.

Town staff emphasized that these figures do not include interest costs. If the projects were fully financed through bonds over 20 years at 5% interest, annual debt payments would be approximately $3.1 million for Option A and $4.3 million for Option B, making the all-in cost significantly higher.

Operating costs and feasibility

Both options would also carry substantial operating expenses. Staffing alone is projected at nearly $1 million annually, with additional costs for utilities, insurance, information technology and ongoing maintenance. Five-year projections show the facility would operate at a deficit even before bond repayment.

Aquatic facilities, in particular, were highlighted as a major driver of both construction and long-term operating costs.

Because of those concerns, town staff discussed the possibility of a third concept: a “dry” recreation center without a pool. While this option has not yet been fully designed or appraised, staff said developing estimates would cost about $7,800.

Town Manager Ted Cherry recommended pursuing that analysis as a next step, noting that a dry facility could provide a clearer cost benchmark, allow time for fundraising and be designed to accommodate a pool in the future if funding becomes available.

Broader parks and trail planning

The recreation center feasibility study is one piece of Granby’s broader Parks and Recreation Master Plan update. Other proposed projects include expanded trail connectivity within town and to neighboring communities, improved trail amenities and signage, winter trail options, river access improvements and park enhancements such as playgrounds, multi-use fields, shade structures and community gathering spaces.

Norris Design also presented a conceptual plan for a band shelter or amphitheater at Polhamus Park, with an estimated cost of $1.38 million.

Next steps

No vote was taken at the informational Jan. 27 meeting. Town staff are expected to follow up with the board with refined concepts and cost estimates, potentially focused on a dry recreation center option.

Additional community input is anticipated before any major commitments are made. Staff said public outreach will continue throughout 2026 as the town weighs costs, funding strategies and whether to pursue a full recreation center with aquatics or a phased approach that could add a pool later.