For decades, Missoulians have identified the need for expanded indoor recreation space to provide year-round opportunities to lead a healthy lifestyle and come together as a community.

The new Currents Center for Recreation and Creativity will extend to the north of the Currents Aquatics Center in McCormick Park to create a one-stop destination. Centrally located downtown and along the Riverfront Trail System, this flexible, multi-use space will be accessible, inclusive, and inviting for people of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels.

The conceptual design is the product of an extensive public process. Community participation points to a design created to celebrate local context and cultures through a use of organic materials, native plantings, net-zero building systems, and connections to the river and Mount Sentinel beyond. Emphasizing adaptability and sustainability over coming decades, the center will be enduring rather than trendy.

The building program centers on serving all people in Missoula through not only recreation and performing arts activities but also integrates programs to strengthen social and community health. Every space is intended to be multi-functional and flexible. The gymnasium can support all the traditional indoor sports, as well as, after school/summer camps, community gatherings, etc. The ballroom and multi-use theater invite local artists and community members to dance, play music, and share food together while also being adaptable to host presentations, fitness activities, or even eSports gaming. The teen center, senior center, and central creativity center are meant to be places where people can simply gather and socialize thereby increasing the multi-generational and inclusive appeal.

Partnership: NAC with MMW Architects