Direction for Emporia’s public recreation facilities could take a significant step forward Monday.
The Emporia Recreation Commission’s Future Funding Task Force has its next regular meeting at noon, and it could approve a multifaceted recommendation for the Rec Commission’s consideration as soon as later this month. The Task Force recommendation on improvements could well include a location, either at the current Lee Beran Rec Center near downtown or elsewhere. It could also include the building construction framework and funding sources.
Task Force members could also set a future meeting date if they feel it’s necessary.
This is the latest step in a better than decade-long conversation on how best to meet the local recreation needs. Rec Commission officials have said the Lee Beran Rec Center now is about half the size they need to meet the demand, while a recently-completed survey indicated most respondents want a recreation center either at the current address or in a central location.
The Jones Aquatic Center and former Lowther North school building have been mentioned as options if the facility ultimately moves.
The Rec Commission Board’s next meeting is Aug. 21.
