Talk of expansion highlighted discussions at the Emporia Recreation Commission’s monthly meeting Monday evening.
Due to an extended rise in attendance at the Lee Beran Recreation Center, the ERC began discussing an expansion roughly a year ago. Rec Director Tom McEvoy says an actual expansion is still a few years out, but progress is being made.
The Rec Center has begun piecing together a potential expansion budget using its current year budget as a template. McEvoy says an exact expansion budget is still currently in the works, although initial expansion costs 15 months ago were discussed at between $19 million and $21 million. Starting new was also discussed last year, with early estimates around $25 million.
Discussions continue as the Rec Commission recently completed the installation of new LED lighting within the gym, indoor pool, and racquetball court. According to McEvoy the new lighting is not only more aesthetically pleasing, but it will also provide significant cost and energy savings for the Rec Center.
In other business, Taylor Thompson was introduced as the new Assistant Aquatics Supervisor. Thompson will take on full-time responsibilities effective Jan. 1.
The ERC will reconvene for its monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 pm inside the Lee Beran Recreation Center.
