Our Challenges
Dilworth’s former community center was not designed to provide the activities and programs that residents are seeking. The adjoining fire station can no longer adequately support fire department’s operations and emergency response.
Community Center’s Challenges
An independent facility assessment identified a wide range of major deficiencies at the former community center, including:
No designated spaces for smaller group activities or meetings
HVAC in need of replacement
ADA-compliant spaces
No storage for furniture, supplies and equipment
Mechanical systems beyond the expected lifespan
Insufficient restrooms and coat storage
Heavily damaged siding, rusted metal frames and cracked concrete
The community center attracted large groups, which conflicted with the fire department's need for safe, unobstructed, and prompt access to the building when responding to emergency calls, according to BKV Group, an architectural firm that analyzed the condition of the city’s buildings.
The Dilworth Community Center is now permanently closed to make way for the construction of a new modern fire station.
Challenges at the Fire Station
The BKV assessment identified numerous operational deficiencies at the fire department, including:
Insufficient space for vehicles and equipment
Increased risk of firefighter injury due to limited space
Insufficient space for putting on gear
Inadequate air-quality system
Firefighter gear exposed to diesel exhaust
No physical conditioning room
No safe area to decontaminate equipment from carcinogens
No lockers or laundry facilities for firefighters
Insufficient number of showers
