The look of the David L. Bodenhamer Recreation Center lobby will soon be refurbished. The Gulf Shores City Council unanimously approved a resolution accepting a bid from Green-Simmons Company, Inc. for the lobby renovation.

The renovation will include:

• Demolition and removal of the reception desk and retail center
• Construction of an interior wall around a new cardio equipment area
• Removal of existing ceramic and vinyl tile flooring and replaced with new laminated vinyl flooring
• New doors and storefront systems
• Modified HVAC ducting for the new layout
• Modified and new electrical receptacles, data lines, coax cabling and saw-cutting the existing slab as required for the new cardio and fitness areas to provide power and data to equipment
• New light fixtures
• Painting all walls
• Installation of a new reception desk by the main entrance
• Construction of new retail location for City Store merchandise
• Construction of a new coffee bar with cabinetry and casework

The Recreation and Cultural Affairs Impact Fees account had $195,000 budget for the renovation and the remaining $60,000 will be provided from the $68,000 in underruns on the Gulf Place, Meyer Park and Kid Park Improvements projects. The council voted unanimously to award the bid in an amount not to exceed $255,000.

Mayor Robert Craft asked City Engineer Marc Acreman if there would be a plan in place so residents could continue to work out during construction. Acreman assured the council the rec center would remain open but there will be some inconveniences.

Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director Grant Brown spoke to the council with more details.

“As we renovate the lobby, the cardio equipment will move into the gymnasium. We will only have half the gym open for regular gym use while the other half is being used for the cardio equipment during the renovation,” Brown said.

The goal is to have the renovations complete by September. With COVID-19 restrictions easing, Brown also said they hoped to re-open Studio Fit at the Cultural Center by September as well.