The City of Aiken received a $350,000 grant from the South Carolina Department on Aging on July 1, 2022, for renovations at the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center. The primary goals of the renovations are to improve accessibility, energy efficiency, and modernize the facilities to better serve the public.
Specifically, this funding will renovate and expand existing restrooms to meet ADA accessibility standards. The catering kitchen will be updated for better functionality. Two existing storage rooms will be converted into a dedicated senior room and a fitness room, respectively. Additional renovations include: all doors and entrances will be made ADA accessible; automatic operating doors installed at the entrances and restrooms for ADA accessibility; construction of a wheelchair accessible countertop at the front desk; additional windows to renovated rooms for natural light; upgrade existing windows for energy efficiency; and HVAC upgrades for enhanced indoor air quality and energy efficiency, among other improvements.
“The City is grateful to the SC Department on Aging for awarding this grant funding to the City of Aiken,” remarked Joy Lester, Capital Project Sales Tax Administrator. Lester added, “The Smith-Hazel Recreation Center is an important recreation facility to the community it serves. We are excited to have this grant to support these much needed upgrades that will benefit all users.”
