Currents Center for Recreation and Creativity

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Video courtesy of the The Converge Foundation

WAYS TO ENGAGE

View the CCRC conceptual design!

The Currents Center for Recreation and Creativity project cleared two major hurdles in 2022, bringing the long-held dream closer to reality.

In February 2022, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board adopted the Currents Center for Recreation and Creativity (CCRC) conceptual plan. City Council followed suit in May, signaling that the center's inclusive design aligns with resident priorities.

This hard-won progress represents years of passionate advocacy from citizens. Adoption of the CCRC plan advances the project to the next phase - securing funding for construction and operations.

The conceptual plan has armed the City and Converge Foundation with the information needed to seek private investments, grants, and community support. Any future requests for City funding would involve extensive public participation.

The vision for the community center is one of inclusion, accessibility, and enrichment for Missoulians of all ages, incomes, abilities, and backgrounds. Although the road ahead requires hard work, the passion of committed residents continues to pave the way.

2023 Update

The Friends of Missoula Community Center group has formed the Converge Foundation, a new non-profit organization dedicated to supporting programs and spaces in a year-round, welcoming facility for all residents to enjoy.

The Converge Foundation is now an official 501(c)(3) non-profit, poised to receive philanthropic donations and other funding to help complete the proposed Center for Recreation and Creativity.

To learn more and get involved, visit The Converge Foundation online. The dream is still very much alive.

View the results of the public opinion survey and the most up-to-date conceptual designs.

Review background information and project history.

Sign up at the REGISTER link at the right to receive occasional project updates.







A community hub supporting social, emotional, and physical health

The Vision

  • A flexible, multi-use space to support healthy lifestyles in an equitable, multigenerational, and inclusive atmosphere.

  • Space for inclusive recreational and social programs for all ages, incomes, and ability levels.
  • Connecting people of all backgrounds, offering diverse program and recreation opportunities, and growing a stronger, more equitable community.
  • A safe, year-round environment.

Guiding Principles

  • We value Missoula as a diverse community, and the Community Center should reflect that diversity.
  • We believe in a Missoula Community Center that is welcoming to all generations, ethnicities, cultures, races, genders, and sexual identities.
  • We believe the Community Center should be accessible to people of all abilities.
  • We believe the Community Center must be affordable to all in terms of building, maintaining, and using the Center.
  • We believe in a Community Center where users and visitors will see and experience intentional design related to the arts, culture, creativity, recreation, and social gathering.
  • We believe the Community Center should be an aesthetic that combines organic materials, acoustic sensitivity, and efficient use of space that is welcoming.
  • We believe the Missoula Community Center should appear modest rather than opulent. Missoula is a working community, and the Center should create a welcoming feeling.
  • We believe the Community Center should be enduring rather than trendy. The design needs to be adaptable – something that can be reworked over the coming decades.
  • We believe that fixed structures that restrict the use or accessibility of space diminish opportunities for multiple uses.
  • We believe the Community Center should respect existing community services and amenities and integrate with them.
  • We believe in a Community Center that respects the planet and models climate change awareness and sustainability.

The Need

For decades, Missoulians have identified the need for expanded indoor recreation space to provide more opportunities to lead a healthy lifestyle and come together as a community. The Missoula Community Center will expand on Currents Aquatics Center in McCormick Park to create a one-stop destination and is part of the McCormick Park Master Plan adopted by the City in 2003. Centrally located downtown and along the Riverfront Trail System, the community center will be accessible, inclusive and inviting.

  • Health and Wellness
  • Visual and Performing Arts
  • Cultural and Community Events
  • Team and Lifetime Sports

Take the Quick Poll at right to let us know how you would use the Currents Center!

The Master Plan

The Master Plan for the Currents Center for Recreation and Creativity represents the community's vision for the project and sets a course for future development. A comprehensive master plan allows the City to seek funding for project development via public and private partnerships, state and federal grants, developer impact fees, and the City budget.

The City of Missoula, in cooperation with community members, is undertaking a public process to complete the master plan for the Center.

Currents Aquatics Center, the first phase of the community center, opened in 2006. Designed to extend to the north of the Currents Aquatics Center, the community center's second phase will offer additional recreational facilities. More on the history and scope of the Center is available at missoulacommunitycenter.org.

With the support of the Friends of Missoula Community Center (a citizen advocacy group), Missoula Parks and Recreation has continued efforts toward this important community goal as identified in 2000. A public process to advance the community center design with extensive public input has been developed.

Planning Process Product/Outcome

The final product of the planning process is a conceptual master plan prepared by the design consultant. The master plan will generally show interior spaces' type, size, location, and spatial relationships, including essential amenities. Additional considerations will include support facilities, circulation throughout, and connections to the site. The plan will also include a report detailing implementation strategies to realize the adopted vision.

2021 Planning Process Timeline

The timeline for the planning process will continue to evolve as the planning process moves forward. Opportunities for public comment are in bold. Use the "Stay Informed" button at right for updates.

March – mid-June: Working Group Meetings 1 and 2

  • Prepare for public process and engagement.
  • Design Consultant Agreement executed.
  • Working group selected and begins meeting.
  • Stakeholder outreach, surveys, open house, and focus group meetings (Late April through May).

Late June – mid-August

  • Design Consultant prepares draft plan based on input from the public, the Working Group and Technical Group.

September – November: Working Group Meetings 3 and 4

  • Working Group reviews the draft plan, including strategies for realizing the project.
  • Design Consultant finalizes proposed design and projected costs.
  • Host public open house(s) to review the final draft schematic design or master plan.
  • Design Consultant, Working Group, and Steering Committee present the final plan and cost/phasing report to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, City Council and additional committees or boards as needed.

Video courtesy of the The Converge Foundation

WAYS TO ENGAGE

View the CCRC conceptual design!

The Currents Center for Recreation and Creativity project cleared two major hurdles in 2022, bringing the long-held dream closer to reality.

In February 2022, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board adopted the Currents Center for Recreation and Creativity (CCRC) conceptual plan. City Council followed suit in May, signaling that the center's inclusive design aligns with resident priorities.

This hard-won progress represents years of passionate advocacy from citizens. Adoption of the CCRC plan advances the project to the next phase - securing funding for construction and operations.

The conceptual plan has armed the City and Converge Foundation with the information needed to seek private investments, grants, and community support. Any future requests for City funding would involve extensive public participation.

The vision for the community center is one of inclusion, accessibility, and enrichment for Missoulians of all ages, incomes, abilities, and backgrounds. Although the road ahead requires hard work, the passion of committed residents continues to pave the way.

2023 Update

The Friends of Missoula Community Center group has formed the Converge Foundation, a new non-profit organization dedicated to supporting programs and spaces in a year-round, welcoming facility for all residents to enjoy.

The Converge Foundation is now an official 501(c)(3) non-profit, poised to receive philanthropic donations and other funding to help complete the proposed Center for Recreation and Creativity.

To learn more and get involved, visit The Converge Foundation online. The dream is still very much alive.

View the results of the public opinion survey and the most up-to-date conceptual designs.

Review background information and project history.

Sign up at the REGISTER link at the right to receive occasional project updates.







A community hub supporting social, emotional, and physical health

The Vision

  • A flexible, multi-use space to support healthy lifestyles in an equitable, multigenerational, and inclusive atmosphere.

  • Space for inclusive recreational and social programs for all ages, incomes, and ability levels.
  • Connecting people of all backgrounds, offering diverse program and recreation opportunities, and growing a stronger, more equitable community.
  • A safe, year-round environment.

Guiding Principles

  • We value Missoula as a diverse community, and the Community Center should reflect that diversity.
  • We believe in a Missoula Community Center that is welcoming to all generations, ethnicities, cultures, races, genders, and sexual identities.
  • We believe the Community Center should be accessible to people of all abilities.
  • We believe the Community Center must be affordable to all in terms of building, maintaining, and using the Center.
  • We believe in a Community Center where users and visitors will see and experience intentional design related to the arts, culture, creativity, recreation, and social gathering.
  • We believe the Community Center should be an aesthetic that combines organic materials, acoustic sensitivity, and efficient use of space that is welcoming.
  • We believe the Missoula Community Center should appear modest rather than opulent. Missoula is a working community, and the Center should create a welcoming feeling.
  • We believe the Community Center should be enduring rather than trendy. The design needs to be adaptable – something that can be reworked over the coming decades.
  • We believe that fixed structures that restrict the use or accessibility of space diminish opportunities for multiple uses.
  • We believe the Community Center should respect existing community services and amenities and integrate with them.
  • We believe in a Community Center that respects the planet and models climate change awareness and sustainability.

The Need

For decades, Missoulians have identified the need for expanded indoor recreation space to provide more opportunities to lead a healthy lifestyle and come together as a community. The Missoula Community Center will expand on Currents Aquatics Center in McCormick Park to create a one-stop destination and is part of the McCormick Park Master Plan adopted by the City in 2003. Centrally located downtown and along the Riverfront Trail System, the community center will be accessible, inclusive and inviting.

  • Health and Wellness
  • Visual and Performing Arts
  • Cultural and Community Events
  • Team and Lifetime Sports

Take the Quick Poll at right to let us know how you would use the Currents Center!

The Master Plan

The Master Plan for the Currents Center for Recreation and Creativity represents the community's vision for the project and sets a course for future development. A comprehensive master plan allows the City to seek funding for project development via public and private partnerships, state and federal grants, developer impact fees, and the City budget.

The City of Missoula, in cooperation with community members, is undertaking a public process to complete the master plan for the Center.

Currents Aquatics Center, the first phase of the community center, opened in 2006. Designed to extend to the north of the Currents Aquatics Center, the community center's second phase will offer additional recreational facilities. More on the history and scope of the Center is available at missoulacommunitycenter.org.

With the support of the Friends of Missoula Community Center (a citizen advocacy group), Missoula Parks and Recreation has continued efforts toward this important community goal as identified in 2000. A public process to advance the community center design with extensive public input has been developed.

Planning Process Product/Outcome

The final product of the planning process is a conceptual master plan prepared by the design consultant. The master plan will generally show interior spaces' type, size, location, and spatial relationships, including essential amenities. Additional considerations will include support facilities, circulation throughout, and connections to the site. The plan will also include a report detailing implementation strategies to realize the adopted vision.

2021 Planning Process Timeline

The timeline for the planning process will continue to evolve as the planning process moves forward. Opportunities for public comment are in bold. Use the "Stay Informed" button at right for updates.

March – mid-June: Working Group Meetings 1 and 2

  • Prepare for public process and engagement.
  • Design Consultant Agreement executed.
  • Working group selected and begins meeting.
  • Stakeholder outreach, surveys, open house, and focus group meetings (Late April through May).

Late June – mid-August

  • Design Consultant prepares draft plan based on input from the public, the Working Group and Technical Group.

September – November: Working Group Meetings 3 and 4

  • Working Group reviews the draft plan, including strategies for realizing the project.
  • Design Consultant finalizes proposed design and projected costs.
  • Host public open house(s) to review the final draft schematic design or master plan.
  • Design Consultant, Working Group, and Steering Committee present the final plan and cost/phasing report to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, City Council and additional committees or boards as needed.

Have a question about this project? What amenities would you like to see in the new Currents Center?

Please submit your comments and questions to Parks and Recreation Director Donna Gaukler.

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  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    I think the city should avoid competition with non profit and for profit health and wellness centers. The YMCA is doing a major expansion and also has a community goal, and is asking for donations. There are things only government can do, but for the activities that we have non government enterprises doing, lets support rather than undermine them.

    thinkingitthrough asked over 1 year ago

    Great point... we've discussed this very issue with other community providers like the YMCA. 

    CCRC programming would complement rather than compete with the YMCA's programming— we do not intend to duplicate services. The current demand for youth and adult recreation and out-of-school-time care is greater than any one entity can meet. The CCRC is looking forward to working with our community partners to provide unique programming to meet residents' needs.


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    Just stop. Seriously. Let people live here and use the river, lakes, and hot springs if they desperately need to swim. $45,000,000 to upgrade a facility that is already nice? Get a grip, people. Your job is to serve the community, not to bleed them dry as you justify your jobs and amuse yourselves with how much money you can spend on unnecessary luxuries.

    Brokecitizen asked over 1 year ago

    Thanks for your feedback—we'll be sure to share it with the project team. We understand residents' concerns about rising taxes and increased public expenditures. Please keep in mind that CCRC construction is not funded at this time. When potential funding sources are identified, the City will host an extensive public process to allow residents to decide whether this project should move forward.

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    Will there be enough staff to work these facilities because when building Fort Missoula Regional Park it wasn't clear that staff would get support for managing these sites? Arn't Parks and Rec Spread thin as it is?

    Scott R asked almost 2 years ago

    Hello Scott, thanks for your question. We are fully staffed at Fort Missoula Regional Park in both park operations (maintenance) and full-time recreation staff. The park maintenance team operates under a City-County joint funding agreement, and the recreation staff is funded by facility rental fees. We expect staffing at CCRC would operate similarly, with a portion funded by the Park District and some funding from program fees and facility rentals. 

    Keep in mind that we're still in the early planning stages and the project is unfunded at this time. Before the project moves forward, we'll present a full business operational plan to the City Council to ensure maximum cost recovery and adequate funding for staff. The Council requires that new facilities like Currents Aquatics Center, Splash Montana, FMRP and CCRC have staffing costs and funding sources built into the business plan before construction begins.


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    What good is a community center that is "accessible to all regardless of income" if only the well-off can afford to live in Missoula? Wouldn't the $45 million for this project be better spent addressing the affordable housing shortage?

    briantoleary asked almost 2 years ago

    Thanks for your comments. The City Council determines the allocation of City resources and residents will have ample opportunities to comment before funding is approved. Funding sources have not yet been identified. We'll be sure to share your thoughts with Council.  You can email the entire City Council at council@ci.missoula.mt.us or leave them a voicemail at 406-552-6012. 

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    Is the Currents Center in the floodplain?

    vicki watson asked almost 2 years ago

    In meetings with consultants and permit agencies, it was noted a permit would be needed and floor height may need to be adjusted to ~18”. This was the assumption throughout the design.  Note, that we are at a schematic, or conceptual, phase and have not advanced the project to construction documents which are needed to determine exact details.

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    Will the Currents Center have some level of LEED certification

    vicki watson asked almost 2 years ago

    We'll be working with the Missoula Energy & Climate Team to employ Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy approaches to the greatest extent possible in the design and construction proposed Currents Center for Recreation and Creativity

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    Hello, I'm wondering if there is any consideration and having outdoor or indoor Pickleball courts in this area?

    Athena asked about 2 years ago

    The conceptual plan calls for several multi-sport courts which can be configured for pickleball. New outdoor tennis courts throughout the City will be configured to include pickleball. Thanks for asking!

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    Hi Donna, I was wondering if CCRC plans to include, or hold, more opportunities for city council, government, and public to engage in a more fun and lighter environment? I know some of the biggest hurdles with community engagement is accessibility. This seems like a great way to all come together. Thank you for your input! Courtney Vossler

    Courtney asked about 2 years ago

    That's a great idea! We'll be sure to share it with the Mayor's office and City Council. 

    At some future date, yet to be determined and when funding allows, we will move from conceptual design, to design development detail, to construction documents. Additional public process and an opportunity for more public input will be included during the design development phase.  

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    Would you consider changing one of the basketball courts for a multi-use GameCourt instead that could be used for squash? There are numerous basketball, pickleball, etc. facilities in Missoula, but there is not a single regulation squash court in the entire state; however, Missoula (as well as other areas) have vibrant squash communities that are severely lacking facilities. ASB makes a multi-sport court that would meet the needs of many different communities but truly add a new and different sport offering to Missoula and to Montana. More on that court option is here: https://asbsquash.com/products/squash-court-asb-gamecourt/

    matt asked about 2 years ago

    Thanks for your comment.  We are currently working with a local non-profit Missoula Outdoor Court Association mocasports.org to install an outdoor handball, squash, racquetball court at Fort Missoula Regional Park.  MOCA is leading an effort to fund the improvement and bring programs to the community. 

     In the meantime, we will retain your suggestion and request for courts at CCRC.  At some future date yet to be determined and when funding allows, we will move from conceptual design, to design development detail, to construction documents.  Additional public process and an opportunity for more public input will be included during the design development phase.  

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    Are you considering making the pool 25-yards, instead of the current 20-yards? Before we spend millions on this truly awesome project, let's get the pool up to standard length to host local meets like most other major cities in MT with a public/private full length pool. This was a embarrassing mistake of the past aquatics bond.

    MHaislnut asked over 2 years ago

    Currents Aquatic Center hosts a 20-yard lap pool because the priority goals for Currents are to serve those who exercise, are rehabilitating, learning to swim, and wish to play in the water. In 2002, an independent market feasibility study noted that Missoula was over-saturated with lap pools based on population and demand, and Currents' construction started in 2004.

    Competitive swimmers seek 25-yard or 50-meter pools with cool water. Currents' 20-yard lanes, warm water, zero-depth entry, and accessible/family-friendly locker rooms work perfectly for the large population of individuals whose needs are not met at traditional 25-yard pools where competition determines depth, water entry, and temperature.

    The Lake (50-meter) at Splash Montana is the premier lap pool in Missoula. Currents was specifically designed to avoid duplication of the services that are available at local health clubs, the YMCA, and Griz Pool.


Page last updated: 30 Aug 2023, 02:14 PM