The Emporia Recreation Commission’s New Rec Center Steering Committee had planned to meet Tuesday to discuss incoming questions about a project to build either a new or expanded public recreation center, but it canceled the meeting after it received one question.
Committee members set up the meeting to discuss questions from interested architecture and construction manager at-risk businesses after having pre-submission conferences last week. At least 20 architecture firms and 11 construction manager at-risk businesses have expressed interest.
The next step in the process is for the interested businesses to submit their official Request for Qualification paperwork by April 29. The Steering Committee will meet in May to review submissions. Finalist interviews are tentatively set for the week of June 10, with a decision tentatively made by June 14.
The Rec Commission says the Lee Beran Recreation Center, the city’s current public recreation facility, has less than half the space available to meet the area’s current and future recreation needs. It is considering a significant expansion of that building or a brand-new space near downtown.
