The CRC Solar Project will soon begin and we wanted to update you on what will be happening over the next several months.  Throughout the project, you can find the most up to date information by visiting our website at www.mhcrc.com and clicking on CRC Solar Project, or by asking any of our CRC team members.  Additionally, we will send a monthly project update email.

To create a more sustainable facility so that the CRC continues to be the active recreation hub for the Morgan Hill community for generations to come, we are putting the facility on a carbon diet. To help make the CRC leaner and greener, we will be constructing solar panels on the roof of the facility, over portions of the parking lot and over the Kids' Zone play structure. This project will greatly reduce the CRC's carbon footprint by allowing us to power the building with renewable energy. It is anticipated that these panels will generate enough energy to save approximately $100,000 per year in electricity costs. 

How will the CRC Improve?

Leaner and Greener.  The new solar panels will completely eliminate the CRC's electricity costs. The production of our solar power system will be the equivalent of planting over 3,000 trees per year by offsetting 623 tons of CO2 emissions. By reducing the CRC's carbon footprint, we will be preserving non-renewable resources for future generations.

Covered Parking.  The new solar panels in the CRC parking lot will be mounted on carports. This will create shaded parking spots for close to half of the parking lot.

Keep your Kids Cool.  A carport-like structure will be built over the outdoor play structure in the Kids' Zone. This will provide some much needed shade during those hot Morgan Hill days and will protect your kids from the blazing sun. In addition, a panel will be constructed in the parking lot adjacent to the Skate Park, which will provide shade for the picnic benches and observation area at the entrance to the Park.

When it will happen?

Construction is scheduled to begin between late August to early September  Construction is scheduled to last through the end of 2011 with the project concluding in late December.

What can I expect during construction?

The goal for the CRC Team during the construction is to minimize the impact to our members in every way possible, while at the same time supporting the quick completion of the project.  Solar panels will be constructed on the roof of the CRC, over the eastern half of the parking lot, over the parking row adjacent to the skate park and over the Kids' Zone play structure.  Much of the construction should be able to be completed with minimal impact to programs and services inside the facility.

To construct the panels on the roof of the building, equipment and construction materials will be lifted onto the roof with heavy machinery. Work will be completed in phases and portions of the facility will need to be closed intermittently to ensure the safety of all members. We will do our best to schedule these closures during times that create the least impact for members.

The Kids' Zone play structure will be closed for a period of time while panels are built above it. Although the playground will not be available during that time, this will not affect Kids' Zone hours or levels of service.

The majority of the parking lot will remain open during construction; however, portions of the lot will be closed intermittently. Additional parking will be available at Community Park and on Edes Street (access from Monterey) on a regular basis. The walk from these locations serves as a great way to start your warm up before you get to the facility. Make sure you log your walk into the Fitlinxx kiosk as soon as you enter the CRC! Designated parking for families with children under four years of age will also be made available in the main parking lot during peak hours. We are continuing to brainstorm and explore additional parking options for members and welcome any suggestions that you may have.

During this time, construction areas and the parking lot will be well signed and marked.  We will continue to communicate construction updates through signage in the facility, our weekly website updates, monthly project update emails and our monthly Member Newsletter. We hope to keep noise and dirt to a minimum inside the facility and will take the necessary precautions to be sure that construction area is well sealed off from areas used by members. 

We're Excited!!!

The CRC Team is very excited about the upcoming Solar Project and the ability to create a cleaner and greener CRC. We are committed to minimizing construction impacts and believe that the results will benefit CRC members for generations to come.  Thank you for your patience and please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.