The new Mitchell Recreation Center is a key strategy to increase access to physical activity for the residents of Mitchell County. The center will be built behind the County Administration Building in Bakersville. It will be 13,120 square feet and have many features, like a gym with a basketball court, a walking track, a concession area, an aerobics/dance studio, a workout room, and locker rooms. The center will also have offices and storage for the Mitchell County Recreation Department.

This new building will help people of all ages stay active and healthy. The goal of Mitchell County Recreation is to help children grow through sports, and to make sure everyone has the chance to live a healthy life. The center will be a great place for families and individuals to exercise, have fun, and meet new people. Construction is expected to start in spring 2024, and the center should open by late 2025.

The recreation center will be located right next to the Bakersville Quick Mart at 177 Crimson Laurel Way, making it easy for people to visit.

The partners for this program include:

• Approved initial design plans for the new Mitchell Recreation Center building being constructed behind the current County Administration Building in Bakersville
• Broke ground on the state-of-the-art facility that is set to be the recreational hub for the community, featuring a full basketball court, walking track, pickleball courts, workout equipment, event space, volleyball courts, an indoor weight area, an aerobics/yoga facility, locker rooms, concessions, and plenty of storage.  The structure will be a pre-engineered metal building with details of construction being finalized as the design work continues
• Initial grading of the site has been completed, with construction beginning this spring. Current plans are for the building and associated athletic fields to open in late 2025
• Poured concrete slab where our basketball/volleyball/pickleball court will be
• Preliminary planning has began by the Parks and Rec Board of Directors that include basketball tournaments, group exercise classes, and evidence-based educational classes