Community Center Vision

This page outlines my current vision for a Community Civic Center in Modesto. The Civic Center Survey is available now to gather input from Modesto residents and neighboring communities to learn what they would like in a community civic center.

When I describe the concept, people naturally picture different things. To make it crystal clear, I'm in the process of having a 3D model made that shows the full idea. I do video game development for fun, so I plan on creating walkthrough videos (shared on YouTube) to simulate the experience. The 3D model when finished will also be available to download/access on this website so you can explore it in virtual reality or on a standard screen.

1️⃣ Staff Front Desk

The Staff Front Desk is the welcome hub for check-in, information, equipment lending, and basic services. It supports two staff members (security has resources here and in the breakroom) with four computer stations: two seated desktop workstations and two standing laptop stations on height-adjustable (sit-stand) surfaces.

Behind the desk, a secure lending shelf stores items guests can check out for use in the center: VR headsets, podcasting gear, laptops, headphones, and other electronics, with charging bays and lockable storage. At the public edge of the desk, a self-serve community printer and fax are available with clear instructions and privacy shields.

For visitors, there are two sturdy, supportive chairs with arms directly in front of the desk for those who need to sit, especially helpful for older adults and guests using walkers. The area includes wide, clutter-free pathways, non-slip flooring, and an accessible counter section so everyone can comfortably receive assistance.

2️⃣ Large Meeting Room

The large meeting room features a modest, multipurpose stage centered along the back wall—ideal for live music, speeches, presentations, interviews, and more. The space will be acoustically treated to reduce noise spill to adjacent areas. A large projection screen is mounted behind the stage. Seating and tables are fully flexible: rows of chairs can face the stage for talks, and tables can be added for workshops, displays, or club activities. Movable dry-erase boards are stored along the back-right wall and can be rolled out as needed.

3️⃣ Small-Group Meeting Room

This flexible, multipurpose space comfortably seats up to 20 and is ideal for counseling, peer support, small workshops, and committee breakouts. To prioritize privacy, glazing is minimal—a small safety vision panel in the door only—with acoustic treatments to reduce sound transfer.

Modular tables and stackable/folding chairs can be arranged as needed. A large flat-panel display and a ceiling-mounted projector support presentations and screenings. The room includes a wall-mounted dry-erase board plus a mobile whiteboard for added flexibility.

4️⃣ The Commons (Open Seating Area)

A flexible, open seating zone with a mix of furniture for one, two, and small groups (3–4). Some chairs include tablet arms for laptops, great for solo work but easy to pair face-to-face for conversation. You’ll find quiet nooks for reading or studying, along with café-style tables for meetups, board and card games, and casual co-working. Layouts are intentionally fluid so the space works just as well for individuals as it does for small groups.

5️⃣ Study Rooms

Four reservable rooms designed for quiet focus and small-group collaboration. Each seats up to six around a central table with comfortable chairs. A wall-mounted flat-screen TV supports presentations, video calls, movies, or games, and a large dry-erase board spans the opposite wall. An interior window facing the corridor, plus a small window set into the door, keeps the rooms bright and welcoming. Multiple outlets and convenient charging points make it easy to power laptops and phones.

Great for: tutoring, project work, interviews, remote classes, study groups, visiting with friends and club planning.

6️⃣ Children’s Play Rooms (Two Enclosed Areas)

Two fully enclosed, sound-controlled play rooms with clear sightlines (tempered safety glass or clear acrylic panels and solid ceilings) to keep play safe and noise contained. Each room has two adult-controlled doors for easy access and emergency egress. Caregiver seating is provided both inside each room and in lounge areas directly facing the glass so parents can relax while maintaining full visibility. All power access is child-safe (tamper-resistant outlets, high-mounted charging ledges).

Room A — Infant & Toddler (6–36 months)
Shoe-free, soft flooring with cushioned mats; low, rounded furniture; activity panels; floor toys; board books; and push/ride toys appropriate to early walkers. Storage keeps small parts out of reach.

Room B — Young Children (3–7 years)
Flexible space with child-height tables for crafts, puzzles, and games; soft climber elements; books; and open floor area for imaginative play. Includes a shoe rack, area rugs for comfort, and movable seating for caregivers.

Shared features

Excellent visibility into each room through full-height clear panels
Large wall-mounted whiteboard for story time or activities (older room)
Easy-clean, non-porous finishes and covered toy storage for quick sanitizing
Nearby hand-sanitizing station and stroller parking
Convenient charging points for adults, kept out of children’s reach

7️⃣ Kitchen & Dining Area

A convenient kitchenette and serving counter for groups or individuals to store, stage, and enjoy food—without full cooking. It’s set up for day-use storage and easy self-service.

Cold storage includes two refrigerators and one freezer, plus a glass-front beverage cooler stocked with complimentary (donation-optional) healthy options: water, kombucha, kefir/tea drinks, and sparkling water. We’ll skip soda, energy drinks, and artificial colors. A coffee and tea station offers staff-brewed coffee, a single-serve brewer, and hot water for tea.

A long counter separates the kitchenette from the dining area and doubles as a serving bar—perfect for pizza nights, potlucks, or laying out snacks. Light prep only: a microwave and (subject to fire/smoke policy) a toaster support basics like heating leftovers or toasting a bagel.

Seating blends semi-private booths with small café tables (two chairs each) for casual meals, quick meetings, or study breaks. Outlets are available nearby so guests can charge devices while they eat.

Notes/policies to post: day-use only for personal items, label allergens, wipe down after use, and follow toaster/microwave guidelines.

8️⃣ Restrooms

There will be three all-gender, single-occupancy restrooms that are family-friendly. Each restroom includes a baby changing station, complimentary menstrual products, an air hand dryer and paper towels, toilet seat covers, and a trash bin near the door for those who prefer to use a paper towel when exiting. For comfort and privacy, each room also has ventilation, sound-masking (gray noise), and an essential-oil-based air freshener.

9️⃣ Lactation Room

Privacy & access: lockable door with occupied indicator; curtained or screen partitions between stations; window coverings if any windows.
Hygiene: sink in-room (not a bathroom) with soap, paper towels; disinfectant wipes; hands-free trash; disposable surface liners.
Comfort: dimmable, warm lighting; quiet fan/ventilation; thermostat access if possible; white/gray noise machine.
Stations (2–4): cushioned chairs with arms, small side table, outlets/USB at each seat, hooks and small cubbies/shelves.
Storage: mini-fridge labeled “Breast Milk Only,” daily label stickers + marker; posted same-day removal reminder.
Accessibility: 60" wheelchair turning space; at least one station with clear knee space for a mobile pump cart; lever handles.
Extras (nice-to-have): phone charging cables, nursing pillows, clock/timer, QR code to room usage guidelines or booking if you add reservations.

🔟 Staff Break Room

Access & capacity: badge/lock access; seating for 3 (2 staff + 1 security).

Private restroom: single-occupancy with occupied indicator; stocked with soap, paper towels, toilet seat covers, and sanitary bin.
Kitchenette & dining: sink, fridge, microwave, kettle/coffee maker, counter, table for 2–3; labeled food policy; hands-free trash/recycling.
Personal storage: lockable lockers/cubbies, coat hooks, small shelf for bags; shoe mat optional.
Security station: radio/phone charging dock, key cabinet (numbered), incident log (binder or digital), flashlight & spare batteries, basic first-aid kit and PPE.
Janitorial closet (separate & lockable): shelves, mop sink if possible, clearly labeled chemicals, SDS binder, gloves/eye protection; never store food here.
Comfort & safety: The room features dimmable, motion-activated lighting that turns on when you enter and shuts off automatically after inactivity. Posted emergency contacts & evacuation map.
House rules (post as a small sign): staff-only; clean-as-you-go; label/date food; keep pathways and exits clear; report maintenance issues.

Security

A uniformed security officer is on-site during all public hours. The officer primarily patrols the parking areas and grounds and has access to a Security Patrol Cart for mobility and weather protection.

A closed-circuit video surveillance (CCTV) system monitors entrances and common areas. Footage is securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel.

To deter, detect, delay, and respond to threats before they reach the interior, the center uses layered measures, including ballistic-resistant glazing at the main entrance, fast, centrally controlled door locking for quick lockdown, and coordinated emergency response protocols. Non-lethal roof-mounted drones may be deployed for rapid situational awareness and threat deterrence, subject to applicable laws and in coordination with law enforcement.

Note: All security features and operations are implemented with safety, privacy, and legal compliance in mind (e.g., FAA/Part 107 and local regulations), and prioritize de-escalation.

Additional Amenities

Reading Nook & Game Corner

The concept includes a magazine rack and shelves curated for all ages, covering local news, science, tech, gardening, arts, and more. Alongside family-friendly books across fiction, nonfiction, biographies, graphic novels, and kids’ titles. A rotating library of board games and card games is envisioned to encourage drop-in play and friendly competition. Layout plans call for comfortable seating and nearby tables so visitors can browse, read, or play together. Selections would rotate regularly, with a simple way for the community to suggest new titles and games.

Advanced Air & Ventilation

The Center would be designed to lower airborne allergens and reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses through layered, proven measures. The central HVAC would use high-efficiency filtration (MERV-13 or higher, where the equipment allows) to capture fine particles such as dust, pollen, and human-generated aerosols. In high-use rooms we supplement with portable HEPA air cleaners to boost clean air delivery. Where appropriate, we employ germicidal UV (UVGI) in ducts or upper-room fixtures, a technology shown to inactivate airborne viruses when properly designed. We also bring in more outdoor air and monitor ventilation so the system maintains protective airflow during busy times. These steps don’t eliminate risk, but they measurably reduce airborne concentrations compared with typical buildings.

Standards we follow: current ASHRAE and CDC ventilation guidance, including ASHRAE Standard 241 principles for equivalent clean airflow during higher-risk periods.

Digital Info Displays

We maintain at least two flatscreens in the lobby and common areas that keep everyone up to date at a glance. The screens show:

Now & Next: which clubs/groups are meeting right now and what’s coming up in the next few hours, with room numbers and start/ end times.
Key info: current time, local weather snapshot, and the guest Wi-Fi network + password.
Quick access: a large on-screen QR code that links to details on services, sign-ups, and upcoming events.

Displays auto-refresh throughout the day, use clear large-type layouts for easy reading across the room, and are positioned for wheelchair-height visibility. Staff can update listings quickly so last-minute room changes or cancellations appear right away.

Ambience: Life-positive, Calm, and Kid-Friendly

The space is designed to feel positive and vibrant with life. Sunlight, warm materials, and lots of living plants help create the inherent need that humans have to connect with nature. Our plant list focuses on varieties that are generally considered non-toxic to people and pets and are easy to care for. Examples include parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans), areca palm, spider plant, Boston fern, prayer plant (Maranta/Calathea), peperomia, and nerve plant (Fittonia). These plants can support comfort by softening noise, boosting perceived air quality, and gently stabilizing humidity. (We pair them with our building’s filtration/ventilation for the real air-quality heavy lifting.)

A quiet, well-maintained freshwater aquarium is planned for the common area. The gentle motion of fish and water provides a low-key visual focal point, supported by low-glare lighting and silent filtration to minimize distraction. In combination with indoor greenery, the aquarium is intended to contribute to a calm, comfortable environment for all ages.

Community Center App

Our goal is to have a free app that makes it simple to get involved and stay organized.

Reserve study rooms in a few taps, see real-time availability, and manage your bookings.
Discover clubs & groups: browse a directory by interest, view meeting times/locations, and add events to your calendar.
Kitchen honor-donations: make optional, cashless donations for food or drinks you grab, receipts are emailed automatically.
Interest matching (privacy-first): share a few interests anonymously to help us suggest groups and events you might like and make it easier to connect with neighbors who enjoy the same things, no public profiles required.
Safety by design: minimal data collection, clear controls for notifications, and community guidelines with reporting tools to keep interactions respectful and welcoming.

The app supports large text, dark mode, and bilingual labels (English/Spanish), with QR codes around the building for quick downloads and room check-ins.

Power & Resilience

The center uses rooftop solar paired with on-site battery storage for sustainability and reliability. In a power outage, the battery system automatically maintains critical loads, including CCTV, access control/locks, alarms, emergency lighting and exit signs, staff communications (radios/charging), core network/Internet for emergency messaging, and limited outlets at the Front Desk. Operation is quiet and emissions-free, with no on-site fuel.

Note: Backup power prioritizes safety and security; run-time and available outlets depend on battery charge and conditions.

Outdoor Booths & Event Tents

To keep big gatherings running smoothly, and to stay resilient during times when indoor events aren’t advised, we will maintain a stock of outdoor booths and modular tents. These setups let us move programs outside quickly while keeping them welcoming and functional.

Scalable & fast to deploy: 10×10 and 10×20 pop-ups plus larger modular canopies for fairs, classes, and performances.
Open-air by design: Canopies prioritize airflow; sidewalls are optional/removable to maintain ventilation when needed.
All-weather ready: Shade canopies, lighting, ballast/anchoring, and rain gutters for stable, safe operation in typical Central Valley conditions.
Power & basics on site: Extension power runs, battery packs where outlets aren’t available, signage stands, and check-in tables.
Accessibility: ADA-friendly pathways and optional temporary flooring for smooth, even surfaces.
Operations continuity: Pre-planned layouts let us shift activities outdoors on short notice so the center can remain active and reliable during public-health disruptions.

Note: Outdoor events don’t eliminate risk, but moving activities outside with good airflow is a widely recommended way to lower exposure compared with typical indoor settings.

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