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The Proposed Design
The design of the Carousel House was informed by hundreds of community stakeholders: program participants, neighborhood residents, service providers, disability advocates, and others. The new facility will create a bigger, better rec center for all!
Check out the proposed plans and renderings of the exciting new spaces coming to 1701 Belmont Avenue.
The Big Picture
The proposed design will involve an adaptive re-use of the building’s original foundation (outlined in dark blue). This will provide an opportunity to honor the history of the Carousel House and to maximize investments in brand-new interiors and additional spaces, including a new gym and a new pool.
Throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces, Rebuild has designed for access with:
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Additional accessible parking spaces
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Wide, motion-activated doors
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Bleachers with wheelchair spaces
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Multi-size, multi-function seating
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Lower reception desk
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Accessible entry to performance stage and pools
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Adult changing tables
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Adaptable fitness equipment
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Adult-sized playground equipment
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Wheelchair-friendly playground surface
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…and more!
View from the Parking Lot
The blues, yellows, and reds of the existing building's features inspired the color and pattern on the outside of the new building.
Indoor Spaces
The indoor spaces will include a new gathering area, a 2-court gym, a lap pool & activity pool, an art & ceramics room, a fitness room, 2 multi-purpose rooms, a computer room, and 2 sensory rooms. In addition, there will be a reception desk, staff offices, a concessions area, restrooms, and locker rooms. Take a "tour" of some of the proposed spaces below:
Gathering Area
Visitors entering the building will be welcomed into a large gathering area with flexible seating. The room can also be set up for banquets, presentations, and other events.
Gym
The gym will feature 2 side-by-side basketball courts and a mobility loop for walking and exercise.
Pool
The pool includes a lap pool and an activity pool with a sloping entrance into the water. The pool deck has lots of circulation area and wheelchair storage space.
Pool
Art & Ceramics Room
The art & ceramics room fits 12-20 people and can also be used as a meeting room. There is plenty of storage for supplies and art projects.
Fitness Room
The fitness room has adaptive exercise machines plus a mat area and storage cubbies.
Multi-Purpose Rooms
Two multi-purpose rooms have lots of moveable furniture and storage for meetings, classes, fitness, and other uses.
Computer Room
The computer room includes 10 computer stations with adaptive equipment.
Outdoor Spaces
The plan for the outdoor area includes an expanded parking lot and a new playground. The entrance of the new Carousel House will face the Parkside community with a drop-off loop near South Concourse Drive.
Playground Layout
The new playground will have different areas for older play and younger play. There is equipment that participants can play on while using a wheelchair or that they can transfer onto.
For safety, there will be fencing around both the playground and parking lots.
Check out some of the proposed pieces of playground equipment below:
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Have questions about the proposed design? Check out the frequently asked questions or reach out to Rebuild at rebuild@phila.gov.