Recreation center in Greensboro to be closed for demolition

The new building will be named the Windsor Chavis Nocho Community Center in recognition of the three community facilities that will be combined in the new complex: the recreation center, the park and the Chavis Library.

Shawna Tillery, planning and development manager for Greensboro Parks and Recreation, said the city expects to put out a request for proposals next month.

City staff hope to present a construction contract to City Council by the end of the year and anticipate demolition of the current Windsor Recreation Center can begin in early 2025.

In place of the new building, the city will build a new, much larger facility – nearly 6,300 square meters compared to the current footprint of 1,700 square meters.

Inside, the building will serve a variety of purposes, from providing leisure and fitness space to educational opportunities and the ability to access government services.

Windsor Chavis Nocho will be the city’s first indoor swimming facility, complete with an indoor pool, lazy river and slide.

Other recreational facilities include a traditional gym as well as areas for playing video games and e-sports.

Materials from the Chavis Library will be moved to the new facility.

Tillery said the learning materials will be placed in locations that harmonize with the center’s other functions, such as health and wellness books near the fitness areas.

The center will also provide access to various government services and programs, including Guilford County Health Department, Guilford County Social Services, Medicaid, and Food and Nutrition Services.

Tillery said the new center and redesigned park would benefit people of all ages.

“It’s really a facility where babies who are crawling all the way up to active adults and seniors can access this facility, either from the building or from the park side as they come in to explore and have fun,” she said.

City Councilwoman Sharon Hightower hailed the project as transformative and a “catalyst of change” for both East Greensboro and the city as a whole.

“I think there’s just something unique about this project and having it in East Greensboro will change the way people do business here in the city and make them realize how important it is that the city has encouraged investment in its residents,” Hightower said.

Nocho Park is undergoing a complete overhaul and improvements include new and expanded playground equipment, an amphitheater, a multi-purpose field and new bathrooms.

The new center will be funded by $50 million in bond proceeds and a $15 million commitment from Guilford County. Other funding sources include a $5 million donation from Cone Health, a $4.3 million grant for park renovations and a $75,000 grant for a mural at the new center.