Chapter 3
Main Post Centers and Local Centers both can combine
Priorities among the different functions and facilities
specialized and non-specialized activities. Main Post
should also be considered by all parties involved in the
Centers are predominantly specialized in function. As
planning process. Both MSA program priorities, outlined
the post-wide service facilities, they accommodate the
in AR 28-1, and local priorities must be reflected. Con-
activities which require specialist staffing to supervise
sideration of local priorities insures an appropriate match
and operate. Local Centers may have little or no spe-
between needs and potential programs given local
cialized activity which is typical for a small facility, as
resources, as well as realistic expectations of funding
shown in figure 3 - 12. But Local Centers may have a
and staffing. The result should be a recommended over-
wide range of specialized activities, particularly in the
all community service strategy, supported by all the par-
larger examples, as in figure 3 - 14. The specialized
ties involved in the planning, upon which to base the
activity in a Local Center may serve the post-wide popu-
Community Framework.
lation, if the function accommodated is unique on post, or
requires special facilities not readily available elsewhere,
(5)
Community Framework. The final product of this
such as an indoor swimming pool, large ceramics shop,
planning process is the Community Framework (see Fig-
or dinner theatre.
ure 3 - 15) previously discussed in section 3 - 2. Based
on the recommended distribution of services and the
(c) Single Buildings vs. Complexes. Community
types of CAC's proposed, develop a plan locating facili-
Activity Centers, both Main Post and Local, can be built
ties to serve the whole post. Each facility should have a
either as single buildings or complexes of related build-
preliminary function and space program, and a clear
ings Main Post Centers, because of their large size and
understanding of its site requirements, service territory
multiplicity of specialized functions will commonly require
and access patterns. The plan should indicate existing
a complex of related or attached structures, including
facilities to be retained and their purpose. The Frame-
specialized facilities. However, at smaller posts, the
work should also include a flexible plan for the phased
Main Post Center functions may often be accommodated
development of facilities adaptable to future needs and
under one roof. Local Centers may readily be of either
the uncertainties of program funding.
type, depending on the size and complexity of the func-
tional organization, and local site conditions.
(4)
Projected Service Strategies. The concept of a
complex of Community Activity Center types, in conjunc-
tion with an analysis of projected needs of the user pop-
ulation, leads to the strategies for the provision of com-
munity services. Consider the appropriate pattern of
distribution of services for each function: active sports,
ceramics, woodworking, child-care, etc. Then identity
groups of functions that serve the same geographical
areas creating a list of facilities that can potentially be
consolidated. Each cluster may include a different set of
functions, depending on the population and needs of the
area it serves. Several alternative groupings may be
necessary to arrive at a recommended service strategy
(see example, figure 3 - 15).
At this point, the coordinating committee must resolve
the issues of integrating formerly independent services
and programs. These decisions may affect the types of
functions included in each facility, as well as the space
program requirements to accommodate them.
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