Located in Northwest Roanoke, Eureka Recreation Center is heavily used throughout the year for after school programs as well as athletics and event rentals. The building was originally constructed in 1965, and was found to have the most condition issues in a 2019 department-wide facilities assessment. The facility has inadequate recreational spaces and antiquated mechanical/structural systems in various states of disrepair and obsolescence. For these reasons, redevelopment of the Eureka Recreation Center was identified as a top need in the Parks and Recreation 10-year Master Plan. In 2021, the City of Roanoke allocated $8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to the Redevelopment of Eureka Recreation Center. In July of 2022, an additional $5 million was added to this project (also from ARPA funding).
Through this redevelopment project, the Eureka Recreation Center will better serve both youth and those young-at-heart by providing opportunities to participate in team sports, one-on-one play, classes, programs, activities, games, and community functions. Improvements and modernization to the facility will spark and reenergize the surrounding neighborhoods, providing a welcoming social center for residents.
Keep up to date with this project by following @PlayRoanoke on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), checking back here for updates, and joining the contact list below.
Approximate Timeline for Community Input Opportunities
Robyn Mitchell is the City of Roanoke Artist in Residence for the Eureka Park Renovation Project.
Robyn Mitchell, owner of Lovelight Design Studio works at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, design, consulting, and social justice. Providing design services for a wide range of civic and nonprofit organizations, Robyn is building a broad portfolio of clients while pushing her creativity into new arenas. As an artist in residence, Robyn will engage neighbors and stakeholders in arts based participation strategies around the development of a new community center in Roanoke’s Eureka Park. Learn more at RoanokeArts.org/Eureka.
Stay tuned! More details on Robyn’s work with this project will be coming soon.
July 2023
April 2023
January 2023
December 2022
Community Engagement Meeting: Roanoke Parks and Recreation invites residents to a community engagement meeting regarding the redevelopment of Eureka Recreation Center. The meeting will be held at the Melrose Branch Library Community Room on Tuesday, December 6 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. For those unable to attend in-person, there is a survey link above to provide feedback. View information shared at the meeting here.
Washington Park Basketball Court Dedication & Tournament: PLAY Roanoke held a dedication/ribbon cutting for the Ricky Renell Wright Basketball courts at Washington Park upper, followed by a free 3 v 3 tournament. The Planning and Development Coordinator set up a booth with information on the redevelopment project to discuss with community members.
Eureka Fall Festival: PLAY Roanoke held a free community fall festival at Eureka Park. The Planning and Development Coordinator set up a booth with information on the redevelopment project to discuss with community members.
Met with After School Students: The Planning and Development Coordinator met with PLAY Roanoke After School students at Eureka Center to discuss the redevelopment project and engage in visioning exercises, activities, and crafts.
