Godfrey Approves AAIC For Rec Center Proposal

Village of Godfrey Board of Trustees

GODFREY – Godfrey officials have chosen an architectural firm to propose plans for a recreation center.

At the March 18, 2026 Village Board meeting, trustees unanimously agreed to start negotiations and request a proposal from AAIC Inc., the architectural firm chosen to lead the Godfrey Recreation Center project.

The vote came after trustees heard a presentation from Beth Heinz, co-chairperson of the Godfrey Recreation Center Committee, about the village’s “strong need to have a rec center.” She noted that when asked if the village should consider building an indoor recreation facility, 76% of surveyed residents said “yes.”

“Year over year since COVID, the number of participants in our sports programs have continued to increase significantly,” Heinz said. “We are simply outgrowing some of the space we’re currently leasing, borrowing, [and] renting from the Alton community.”

Heinz also said a rec center could help with certain “weaknesses” of the village, such as a lack of an indoor health and wellness facility during the winter months and Godfrey’s lack of a designated “town center.” She said such a facility would also increase foot traffic to local businesses and help retain young residents and tax dollars, keeping them from going to neighboring communities.

Heinz listed a few “must-have” amenities for any proposed rec center in the village, including a centralized multi-sport gym, rental space, an indoor walking path, and some space for concessions, possibly in partnership with a local business.

A few locations for the future rec center have been looked at, but none have officially been decided on, with most potential sites located near Glazebrook Park. Heinz said the goal is for the center to serve as a “gateway” to the community while having access to local bike trails and being accessible to residents of all ages and abilities.

Multiple funding opportunities are also being explored to cover the projected cost of $16 million to $21 million, including Business District funds, potential grant funds, private donors, local fundraising efforts, sponsorships, and potential membership fees. Heinz emphasized the committee’s desire to find funding sources which would have little to no impact on local taxpayers.

Lori Artis, a Godfrey resident and vice president of strategic engagement at Lewis and Clark Community College, said the school has several athletic teams that would benefit from the additional space a rec center would provide and expressed excitement at the possibility of partnering with the village going forward.

Heinz said there will be future opportunities for public input on the rec center’s design before the project moves forward. If all goes according to plan, she said the rec center could be completed as soon as the fall of 2028.

A full recording of the March 18, 2026 Godfrey Village Board meeting is available at the top of this story or on Riverbender.com/video.

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