It took more than 45 years, but the town of Kernersville is finally getting a new rec center. Located ~20 minutes outside Winston-Salem, the Kernersville Community Recreation Center will serve as a gathering place — not only for the community, but also for regional tourists.

Ernie Pages, Parks and Recreation Director with the town of Kernersville, told City Editor Kellina the total cost came to $18.3 million, a $5.9 million increase from its original allocated budget. The need for a new center was first identified in June 1979, but due to circumstances, plans took decades to turn into construction.

"Those challenges came in the form of economic recessions, project priorities (such as roads, utilities, and infrastructure), and in some instances either the building layouts or the potential sites themselves weren’t a good fit," Pages said.

Crews are working on the internal framing and finishing touches. | Photo by Kernersville Parks & Recreation via Facebook

Town officials held the site's groundbreaking in June 2023 at 1020 Shields Rd., within the Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex. Weather has delayed construction, but crews have graded the parking lot and are putting the final touches on the center.

The town implemented feedback from the community through focus group meetings, interactive kiosks workshops, and public engagement sessions to build the new recreation center.

Once complete, the two-level building will feature the following:

Large classrooms + a multipurpose room
Three large gyms (for all court sports) + a dance/fitness room
An elevated walking track + a concession stand
An outdoor classroom + office space

The two-level building features three basketball courts and six volleyball courts. | Photo courtesy of the town of Kernersville

The Recreation and Event Center is currently working on expanding the building to host indoor events as well as an indoor meeting space. The center will serve as an indoor tournament facility for youth sports on weekends and will be open to all Forsyth County residents for free during "open gym" hours (which would be whenever a competition isn't scheduled).

The ribbon cutting is scheduled to take place Dec. 6, with planned programming starting January 2025.