SAARC’s Grand Opening in Prince George’s County
The long awaited Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex (SAARC) held its grand opening ceremony on Saturday, February 29, 2020 in Brandywine, Maryland. The first multi-generational recreation center in Prince George’s County dedicated its newly constructed building to the Honorable James E. Proctor, Jr., Maryland State Delegate. The Honorable Maryland Delegate Susie Proctor, unveiled the new signage on the front of the building, which honored her late husband.
The grand opening ribbon was cut by Elizabeth Hewlett, Chairman of Prince George’s County Planning Board and The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Honorable Thomas Mike Miller, Jr., Maryland State Senator, the Honorable Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Executive, Earl Mitchell, SAARC Community Advisory Committee Member, Earl Mitchell, and Prince George’s County Council Members, the Honorable Calvin Hawkins II, Sydney Harrison and Mel Franklin.
With an overwhelming turnout of over 4,500 people, Missouri Avenue was shut down and shuttle buses were provided to transport guests from nearby schools to the SAARC location. Vendors and live bands filled the recreation rooms to showcase which type of events could be hosted in the spaces, such as birthday parties to wedding receptions.
Local radio and TV stations, 93.9 WKYS, The Team 980 Redskins Radio, Majic 102.3 92.7 and NBC4 Washington came to show their support of the new community facility. Even former tight-end Washington Redskins football player, Doc Walker, made a special appearance.
The new SAARC building includes a natatorium, gymnasium, running track, fitness room and flexible programmable space. The complex was built to LEED Silver standards. Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) was the Design-Builder on this project and the architect was Hughes Group Architects. We congratulate all partners and subcontractors involved on the project, and its successful grand opening. We also applaud the CWC project team who made it possible: Bill Simons, Jon Fox, Jim Gallagher, John Raum, Ted Thornton, and Colin O’Donnell.
SAARC dedicated a plaque in honor of late Maryland State Delegate, James Proctor, Jr.
The ceremonious opening day was a full-house event, and filled all its 504 parking spaces.
“This project will be the essential infrastructure necessary to bring the community together through arts and active lifestyles.” - Colin O’Donnell, Assistant Project Manager
