The City of Brownwood is working to improve many of its facilities throughout the city, and the most recent work is being performed at the Bennie Houston Recreational Center (BHRC) as crews are installing central air units in the gym, kitchen and lobby areas.

According to City of Brownwood Parks and Recreation Manager David Withers, the facility did have air conditioning in the kitchen and lobby areas but has never had air conditioning in the gym area.

Two 5 ton units HVAC units at the BHRC are being replaced that service the kitchen and lobby area.  A 20 ton HVAC unit was taken off of the Coliseum Annex when it was being renovated into a senior citizen center, which was about 4 years old, and it is now being installed to service the gym area.  Withers stated that additional insulation is being added to the walls and ceiling as well.  The HVAC work began in March with the addition of a new electrical outlet in the kitchen area and the HVAC installation began approximately three weeks ago.  Withers stated that he expects the job will be completed at the end of this month.

“Roberts & Petty have been installing the unit for the gym. We have finish repairing the floor seal in the outer walls and have added installation in the outer walls,” Withers explained in an email describing the progress of the work.  “We will be adding insulation to the ceiling and replacing the light fixtures.  Since BHRC is closed on Wednesday they are hoping to change the transformer next Wednesday the 18th they are waiting on some electrical parts.”

The gym is used for exercise as well as many other events, and this improvement will make it a much more comfortable venue for its users.  According to Withers, there are several events each year at the center and it is also rented out to the public periodically.

According to the City of Brownwood, the Bennie Houston Recreational Center is a 7500+ square foot facility, with 4851 sq. ft of that being the gym area and it has a 731 square foot kitchen.  The gym has a tile floor with two regular 10-foot goals and four 8-foot goals for youth.  The kitchen area has one refrigerator/freezer, an oven with cook top, and a microwave.   The center is furnished with banquet tables, plastic chairs and a sound system.  Through the center, residents are offered a place to play basketball, table games, and use educational computers.

Pictured above is the HVAC unit, below are more photos of the gym and the insulation being installed.  Photos contributed.

Gym area

Open wall where insulation is being installed.