Youth, teens, seniors and adults of all ages can play at the new activity center and gymnasium at Les Gove Park, 910 9th St. SE.
The public is invited to an open house celebration to dedicate the facility on Tuesday from 5-8:00 p.m. The formal opening ceremony, including the dedication of the artwork, is 6 p.m.
The new 9,850-square-foot gymnasium features a host of athletic and recreation options for free and open play during the dedication celebration, including an indoor playground for ages 5 and under, open gym basketball, and a rotating court that will feature pickleball, badminton, floor hockey, volleyball, and futsal, and scooters. Individuals will also be able to learn to climb the new rock wall.
The Auburn Senior Activity Center Wellness Committee will provide free hot dog, chips and beverages.
The building was designed by BLRB Architects, a Tacoma-based architectural firm and was built by general contractor Christensen Inc.
As part of the project, a public art piece was commissioned. The two panel 13-by-13-foot painted steel artwork by artist Bruce Myers is a representation of the Auburn Valley topography. Flanking each side of the climbing wall, this most recent addition to the City’s Public Art Collection, references the elevation of landscape as the climbers literally climb upward. The seating boulders surrounding the wall are a physical reminder of the natural setting in which the sport of climbing originated.
The City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department will oversee operations of the new facility. Participants can drop-in to a variety of programs scheduled throughout the year, including open gym basketball and volleyball, a teen after-school program, an indoor playground designed for ages 5 and under, family nights, and rock climbing instruction.
Organized programs include futsal (an indoor soccer league), volleyball and basketball leagues, specialized recreation leagues, and preschool sport classes. Additionally, birthday party packages are offered using the gymnasium as an activity center complete with a party host, pizza or a birthday cake, and treat bags for birthday party guests. The facility will also be available for rentals and other special events.
The new activity center and gymnasium complements the 21-acre recreational and educational Les Gove Community Campus that serves the entire community. The cluster of amenities includes a library, Parks and Recreation Administration Building, Senior Activity Center and White River Valley Museum.
