Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex | Prince Georges County

The Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex is a comprehensive community facility located in Fort Washington, Maryland, designed to provide residents with advanced recreational, technological, and wellness amenities. Spanning approximately 37,000 square feet, the complex was opened in 2013 and is managed by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). It serves as a hub for education, fitness, creative arts, and community engagement, aiming to meet the diverse needs of an underserved area while promoting health, learning, and cultural development.

Facility Design and Architecture

The building’s architecture is notable for its modern, community-focused design. The façade features a large sweeping arc of multi-colored glass panels symbolizing the neighborhood's diversity and pride. The complex includes a green roof with an open-air viewing gallery that contributes to its sustainability, achieving LEED Silver certification. The interior spaces are flexible and thoughtfully arranged to accommodate a wide range of activities, from physical exercise to technology workshops and artistic projects.

Recreational and Fitness Amenities

Gymnasium: The complex houses a large gym with two full-size basketball courts, suitable for organized sports, pick-up games, and community events.

Indoor Track: A suspended indoor walking and jogging track provides a safe and climate-controlled environment for cardiovascular exercise.

Climbing Wall: An indoor climbing wall offers opportunities for physical challenge and skill development across all ages and fitness levels.

Fitness Rooms: Equipped with modern strength and cardiovascular training equipment to support individual and group workouts.

Group Exercise Spaces: Dedicated rooms for classes such as yoga, dance, aerobics, and personal training.

Outdoor Fields: Adjacent outdoor soccer and multi-purpose fields accommodate team sports, practice sessions, and recreational play.

Outdoor Basketball Court: Additional basketball facilities are available outside the main building for casual use.

Locker Rooms and Restrooms: Conveniently located and fully accessible, providing comfort for all visitors.

Bike Racks: Facilities encourage environmentally friendly transportation options for visitors.

Technology and Creative Arts

A unique aspect of the complex is its integration of advanced technological resources aimed at fostering creativity and digital literacy:

Recording Studio: A professional-grade audio recording facility equipped with industry-standard equipment, such as the Neumann U87 Ai microphone and Yamaha DM2000 mixing console. The studio supports community artists, podcasters, and musicians, available for hourly rental with rates starting at $75 per hour.

Computer and Science Labs: These spaces are designed to facilitate educational programming, coding workshops, digital media projects, and science-related activities for youth and adults.

Internet Café: Provides free access to computers and high-speed internet, allowing community members to engage in online learning, job searches, and communication.

Environmental Learning Room: This classroom space uses the building’s green technologies as teaching tools, promoting lessons on sustainability, energy conservation, and environmental stewardship.

Aquatic and Wellness Center

Adjacent to the main complex is the Southern Regional Aquatic Wellness Center, located at 7011 Bock Road, which complements the recreational offerings:

Lap Pool: A standard-size swimming pool designed for lap swimming, swim lessons, and water fitness.

Warm Water Pool: Designed for therapeutic purposes, relaxation, and aqua-based rehabilitation.

Spa: Facilities for relaxation and wellness.

Therapy Rooms: Spaces equipped for physical therapy and rehabilitation services.

Multipurpose Rooms: Used for aquatic fitness classes such as Aqua Fusion, Aqua Arthritis, Aqua Boot Camp, and Aqua Sculpt.

Locker Rooms and Restrooms: Fully accessible and convenient for aquatic center users.

Community Engagement and Programs

The complex supports a wide variety of programs aimed at engaging all age groups and interests:

Fitness classes and group exercise sessions ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

Youth sports leagues and recreational programs.

Technology and digital arts workshops for children, teens, and adults.

Recording studio workshops and opportunities for local artists to produce professional-quality content.

Environmental education sessions that promote sustainability and green living.

Special community events, tournaments, and cultural celebrations.

Operating Hours and Accessibility

Monday to Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (including a teens-only session from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM)

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (with a teens-only session from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM)

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The facility is fully accessible, with ADA-compliant entrances, restrooms, and amenities to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Location and Transportation

Located at 7007 Bock Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744, the complex is easily reachable by car and public transit. It is served by local bus routes (33 and 35) and is near the Southern Avenue Metro Station on the Green Line. Bike racks are available to encourage cycling.

Recognition and Impact

The Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex has earned multiple architectural and community awards, including:

Public Building of the Year by AIA Maryland

Gold Award for Architectural Excellence by AIA Potomac Valley

Detail Award in Architecture by AIA Washington, D.C.

These honors highlight the complex’s innovative design, community value, and commitment to sustainability.

Summary

The Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex stands as a model of integrated community service, combining recreation, fitness, technology, and creative arts under one roof. It provides residents of Fort Washington and surrounding areas with accessible resources for physical health, education, artistic expression, and environmental awareness. Its modern facilities and diverse program offerings make it a vibrant center for personal growth, wellness, and community connection.