Waterford Recreation Center permanently closing earlier than expected

The Waterford Recreation Heart in Oakland County is completely closing sooner than anticipated as a result of “catastrophic mechanical points.” according to the municipality.

The middle, positioned at 5640 Williams Lake Highway, was anticipated to shut in January 2026 after a Waterford Township Board of Trustees determined in October that security considerations and the rising value of main wanted repairs to the constructing weren’t.fiscally responsible.”

That is acknowledged in a message dated Friday, November 28 from the Waterford Parks and Recreation Division an unexpected failure in the boiler system causes the building to close prematurely.

“This problem has made it unattainable to take care of secure and comfy temperatures on the facility through the present chilly climate,” the put up stated. “As a result of indoor temperatures can’t be adequately maintained, the ability can not safely help the every day actions of employees, seniors or group members.”

The constructing has been a spot of historic and emotional significance to the folks of Waterford since 1947. according to the Parks and Recreation Department.

Applications run from the recreation heart have already begun transitioning to the Leggett Campus Waterford, often known as the Waterford Senior Heart, at 3621 Pontiac Lake Highway, and different township amenities, in keeping with the division.

Senior volleyball, youth volleyball, pickleball, shuffleboard and open fitness center basketball have been canceled till January 2026, in keeping with the Parks and Recreation Division. Many different leisure applications will resume on the Leggett Campus the week of December 8.

Members who’ve pay as you go for applications which have since been canceled will obtain a refund. Members in applications which have already began however have now been canceled will obtain a prorated refund, in keeping with the Parks and Recreation Division’s put up.

“The Parks and Recreation Division appreciates the group’s persistence and understanding as we work by means of this unplanned early closure and proceed our dedication to offering high quality applications and companies to the residents of Waterford,” the put up stated.

The Parks and Recreation Division is within the strategy of speaking with instructors and contributors concerning the closure, the discharge stated. The workplace reopened Monday, December 1, and questions on programming will be made by calling 248-674-5441 or emailing aswanson@waterfordmi.gov.

In 2024, Waterford Township voters narrowly — 19,230 votes to 18,651 votes — accredited a 21-year, $36.4 million bond to buy 51 acres of land on the previous Highland campus of Oakland Group Faculty. The Oakland Press reports this.

The long-term plan for the brand new Waterford Group Heart stays in flux, in keeping with the put up from the Waterford Parks and Recreation Division. Applications from the now-closed Recreation Heart and the Leggett Campus will ultimately be consolidated into the brand new Group Heart set to open in January 2028.

Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.