Recently completed renovations at the Seven Fields Community Center included gutting the interior. Council has approved additional upgrades for the center.

SEVEN FIELDS — Council approved two additional upgrades to the borough's community center Monday during a meeting at the building.

The second phase of renovations was recently completed, with the interior gutted and replaced.

According to borough manager Tom Smith, a community survey completed a few years ago asked residents what they would like to see at the building.

He said the overwhelming response was that it was too sterile and lacked warmth. The idea of creating a more inviting space led the design process, and Monday officials showed off a building that included a stone fire place, a state-of-the-art kitchen and renovated restrooms.

The first phase of work involved placing a metal roof on the building.

On Monday, council voted to spend $10,135 with DiSalvatore Group to place a snow guard system on the building as well as on the pool house.

Smith said he and council members got a first-hand look at the need for such a system. He said the metal roofs on those buildings cause the snow and ice to come down like “an avalanche” when a thaw begins. He said such an incident was witnessed this past winter.

“The ice and snow is a safety issue,” he said.Council approved the work under the condition that they can review the system aesthetics beforehand to ensure it aligns with the overall design of the buildings.Council also approved a $3,495 contract with North Hills Lock & Safe to install a remote access door on the building.The door is controlled via a computer system, eliminating the need for renters to pick up a key. It also allows for borough officials to track entry and make sure the building is secure when it isn't in use.Council President Jennifer Sikora said the system is necessary to ensure the work being done is protected.“This was a tough pill to swallow because of cost, but I think with the improvements that we've done here with the building, the ease of security it will provide, and the ease on the administration of opening doors up for people ... will be a benefit,” she said.The work will be paid for through the borough's capital reserve fund. The third phase of work next year will focus on the building's exterior.“I think most people are going to be pleased with the outcome,” Smith said.

With the second phase of renovations finished at the Seven Fields Community Center, the third phase will focus on the exterior of the building.