PREPPING TO OPEN
New recreation, performing arts center opening has tentative June 1 date
When Farmington Hills city officials began to plan for a new recreation and performing arts center at the former Harrison High School, they visited similar facilities in Livonia, Canton, Dearborn and elsewhere.
“We asked what were the most popular attractions,” said Ellen Schnackel, director of the city’s Department of Special Services. “We asked what they would have done differently.”
The city expects to open the $22 million facility at 29995 W. 12 Mile Road by June 1, although the date is tentative because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The city began construction in fall 2019 on the facility, which surveys showed had been on residents’ wish lists for years.
It will feature a large workout area, gymnasiums and locker and shower rooms adapted for families with young children and the disabled.
Its pool will feature a large slide, climbing wall, lazy river, aquatic basketball hoop and a rope that lets users swing into the water. There will be a splash and spray area for young children.
Though city officials refer to it as the “fun pool,” It will have an area for people who want to swim laps. A smaller pool without all the attractions will also be maintained at the city’s Costick Center for people who just want to swim and for offering swim lessons.
The city built on existing facilities at the high school, maintaining the outdoor football field and stands, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts and running track. Outdoor amenities will now also in
clude 10 pickleball courts.
Indoors, a gym was preserved, as well as a performing arts auditorium, dance studios and gathering/practice rooms for performers . The auditorium seats were kept but lighting and sound were improved and a new stage curtain will be added.
The performing arts function of the facility will meet the needs of the city’s popular youth fine arts programs, which draw participants from all over the region. Currently, performances are held on a far less sophisticated stage at the Costick Center.
The city worked with a legacy committee to preserve the nearly 50-year history of Harrison High. A touch screen will allow visitors to access digitized awards, trophies and other
memorabilia. A logo of the Harrison High mascot, the hawk, was preserved on the gym floor. The center is named The Hawk in tribute to the school.
The city has secured several grants and will pursue others to fund the recreation/performing arts center. It will garner revenue
from user fees and facility rentals. But the city also anticipates that general fund revenue will be needed to pay off the improvements, at least in the first few years, Schnackel said.
The Farmington Public Schools closed Harrison in June 2019 and sold the building and grounds to the
city for $500,000.
Daily passes and memberships are available at resident and nonresident rates. Resident rates apply to those living in Farmington or Farmington Hills. For more information, visit https://fhgov.com/Activities/ The-Hawk/Passes-and-Tickets/Hawk-Pass.aspx.