ARAB — To meet an increased demand for recreational services from a growing population, the city of Arab broke ground Tuesday for a recreation center.

In a partnership with Goodwyn Mills Cawood and Fite Building Co., the city said the center will host athletic events and tournaments and serve as a venue for other events.

The 38,000-square-foot athletic facility will support several of the most in-demand sports events, such as basketball, volleyball and other indoor sports. It features a 26,800 square-foot sports floor separated into four competition areas, complete with spectator bleachers and court divider curtains.

The new building also includes a concession stand, meeting space, locker rooms, a multipurpose room and offices for the Arab Department of Parks and Recreation staff.

Goodwyn Mills Cawood is providing architectural, interior design, civil engineering, site electrical and landscape architecture services for the facility, which is being constructed by Fite Building Co. Other project team members include Structural Design Group as the structural engineer and Rocket MEP as the mechanical and electrical engineers.

Construction is scheduled to be completed by fall 2026.