Pistons seek input for Rouge Park rec center

The $20 million donation from Pistons owner Tom Gores to construct a new 25,000 sq. ft. recreation center at Rouge Park won't be the end of the organization's involvement with the project.

Driving the news: The city's parks and rec department and the Pistons held a meeting at Brennan Pool Wednesday night for input from residents on what kind of amenities they want included.

What they're saying: Erika Swilley, the Pistons' vice president of community and responsibility, tells Axios the Pistons aren't going to just cut a check to build the building, which will be owned and operated by the city.

• "We'll run camps and clinics that are free to the community," she says. "There are ideas to bring in services that you might not see at a typical community center."

State of play: Less than 60% of Detroiters are within 15 miles of a recreation center.

• The largest indoor recreation access gap in the city is in the Cody Rouge neighborhood, one with a high youth and senior population.
• The proposed facility will provide access for over 24,000 residents and allow for year-round use.

• Planners are teasing areas for concessions, laundry, internet access, classes, a fitness center and gymnasium.

Yes, but: Several residents who spoke up Wednesday were disappointed to learn there are no plans to construct an indoor pool for winter use.

What's next: Construction is set to begin next summer.

• You can provide input used to shape what's inside the recreation center here.
• There are two more community meetings set for this fall and next year.