The center reopened after nearly a year on Dec. 4, 2025
Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center is back in the spotlight. After nearly a year of construction, Plano Parks and Recreation officially reopened on Dec. 4 at 5801 W. Parker Road.
During the ribbon cutting, guests toured the renovated space immediately, and regular hours resumed at 5 am on Dec. 5.
A Major Investment In A Beloved Facility
The renovation, which began on Feb. 17, 2025, represents one of Plano’s largest recent investments in parks and recreation infrastructure. With an overall project cost of roughly $15.9 million, the city approved a guaranteed maximum price of more than $13.5 million for Lee Lewis Construction in mid-2024.
According to the city, funding came from Plano’s 2021 bond election, reflecting broad community support for updating the city’s most heavily used recreation center. Plano partnered with Dallas architectural firm LPA on the redesign, while Lee Lewis Construction managed the build from start to finish.
What’s New Inside
Behind the scenes, much of the work focused on improving the bones of the 84,000-square-foot building — modernizing systems, replacing older components and bringing the entire center up to current codes. But for members and visitors, the upgrades will be felt in very visible ways.
Basketball courts during renovation. Photo: Plano Parks and Recreation
Major enhancements include:
• New children’s pool play structure
• New pool deck
• Refreshed locker rooms
• Main sewer line replacement
• Replaced outdated HVAC for better temperature control
• Resurfaced track and gym floor, with new striping to expand pickleball court access
• New cardio equipment and improved cardio room environment
• Refreshed landscaping and irrigation
• Facility-wide code updates
A Center Built For Community
When it first opened in 2007, Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center quickly became one of Plano’s busiest recreation facilities, drawing more than 400,000 visitors each year. The building’s wide range of flexible spaces — meeting rooms, fitness areas, a double gym, group exercise studio, indoor track and extensive aquatics offerings — made it a hub for families, athletes and residents of all ages.
Those elements remain, only now with improved equipment, refreshed interiors and a more efficient, comfortable environment across the board.
Photo: Plano Parks and Recreation
A Fresh Start For A Local Favorite
Plano Parks and Recreation is still working to staff the enhanced facility. Lifeguards, recreation aides and swim instructors are needed, and applicants can apply at Plano.gov/Jobs.
For a center that anchors daily routines for thousands of Plano residents, from early-morning swimmers to evening fitness classes, the reopening marks the return of a familiar space with a long list of upgrades.
The Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center is ready to welcome the community back into a building built to last another decade and beyond.
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