News: 12 School Street Recreational Facility: Project Overview and Info

Project History and Mission:
The Saco Parks and Recreation Department (SPR) acquired the 12 School Street location in fall of 2019.  Originally built as a church and then converted to a private residence, this facility will be renovated and updated for public use with SPR.  This page features information about the building, the project, and our vision for the future of the 12 School Street Recreational Facility.

Vision for the Project:
Saco Parks and Recreation is known for our capacity to offer diverse programming to a variety of participants every day.  We run programs at the Saco Community Center from 8:30am through 8:30pm most days of the week.  To achieve this, classrooms and spaces are converted over several times per day; as an example, our Program Bay may start the day with a SENIORity yoga class, move into After the Bell activities, host a training or meeting, and then end the day with an activity like cheering or a theater rehearsal.
 
We are at capacity in our building for what we can offer programmatically.  The next phase to continue growth for SPR is to look at additional space.  When we first considered expanding locations, we were looking for a facility that would allow two things:

1. The same ability as the Saco Community Center to adapt and convert for a variety of uses.
2. A location that would allow us to feature multigenerational services and expand programs for two primary user groups: teens and older adults.

• The first floor offers a layout that is ideal for multigenerational programming. Our current vision for this space allows for daytime SENIORity social gatherings, and new teen programs in the afternoons/evenings.
• The second floor of the building was originally built to hold church services. This space features a dedicated stage-area, beautiful acoustics, and a large open space which could be used as seating for audience members.  This space provides an excellent opportunity to support performing arts in Saco, and could be used to host the SPR Twin City Theater Academy program, a coffee house for teens, a choir rehearsal, special events, and more.
• The ADA-compliant elevator makes visiting the building accessible to all.
• The location has close proximity to downtown Saco, allowing us to connect more easily to residents of all ages in this area of the community.
• There is a complete kitchen which provides potential for cooking classes, meal service at special events, or regular snack options at daytime programs.

• Electrical (whole building)
• Fire suppressant (whole building)
• Full kitchen updates
• Addition of public bathrooms
• HVAC
• Cosmetic repairs (windows, painting, etc.)

• Pool Table
• Air Hockey Table
• Foosball Table
• Ping Pong Table
• Standing height pub-style café tables and chairs
• Flatscreen TV

• Refurbishing stage and floor
• Cosmetic repairs (windows, painting, etc.)
• Outfitting sound and audio equipment