CHAPTER NINE • SPACE USE RECOMMENDATIONS NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT INDOOR RECREATION SPACE NEEDS ASSESSMENT ALFRED RUBIN RIVERWALK COMMUNITY CENTER (ARRCC)
NPD staff have indicated that there is a need to invest in the ARRCC in a way that updates the facility and provides new energy through some new programming opportunities. Currently, the ARRCC serves mostly as a programming center and is not used much for rentals. The age segments that are primarily served in this facility are young and school-aged children, families, and older adults or seniors. Overall, the facility operates at around the 40% use level on average throughout the week. When examining the use more closely, the two levels of the facility have two distinct usage percentages throughout the week. The first floor, which hosts the Preschool Academy and dance programming, shows an average capacity level that is around or above the 70% benchmark. Also, because of the nature of preschool programming and its specific requirements for participants, the lower level is likely not able to take on additional programming.
However, the upper level, which primarily hosts senior and active adult programming, is significantly below the use capacity benchmark especially during operational hours in the afternoons, evenings, and on weekends. The upper level presents an opportunity to bring additional programming to the facility either operated by NPD or third- party contractors. It should also be noted that ARRCC has logistical challenges that will need to be addressed as NPD looks to re-imagine the underutilized spaces in the building. One of the challenges that could be impacting programming includes limited parking for activity in the center, thereby making ingress and egress difficult for patrons. Also, the needs of programs for youth and older adults differ from each other, which can cause conflicts within limited space.
RECOMMENDATIONS ɀ Forty-seven percent (47%) of programs offered in the ARRCC reached full enrollment. NPD staff should review the underperforming programs and replace them with the types of programs reflected in the community needs assessment and that show high growth potential. ɀ ARRCC should develop more teen and adult (ages 18-59) fitness and wellness programming in the afternoon and evening hours (after peak times of the Preschool Academy) for the upper level of the building. This opens up parking and the programs would be less impacted by traffic restrictions caused by the drop-off and pick-up of the preschoolers. ɀ ARRCC is less than a 10-minute drive from the Fort Hill Activity Center. According to the community needs survey, most respondents are willing to drive 10-14 minutes to a facility for programs and activities. ARRCC has the capacity to take on programs, particularly within the group fitness category, which are experiencing high usage and growth at Fort Hill. ɀ Facility enhancements should focus on maximizing space utilization through flexible spaces, updating the features to appeal to multiple generations, and adjusting the programming mix on all levels based on the true needs of the community. ɀ Open up Community Hall to event planners and caterers if more rentals during evenings and weekends are desired. A refreshed Community Hall image could provide appealing, rentable space for weddings, birthdays, reunions, and other small gatherings on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.
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