With more community input in hand, the Emporia Recreation Commission’s Rec Center Steering Committee made a few decisions as part of a follow-up meeting Wednesday.
Committee Chair Erren Harter says there were two main decisions for the proposed building at Champions Landing, the first one dealing with whether the building would be flat or multi-level.
The other major decision dealt with the aquatics component. Harter says the plan is to have a three-lane lap pool that can be reconfigured to six lanes if needed. There will be a shallow and deep end, with opportunities to add rock climbing walls, jumping pads, a “ninja-cross” obstacle course and a water slide. There would be temperature differences as well to accommodate different swimming needs.
While much of the public conversation has dealt with a replacement site for the Lee Beran Recreation Center, Harter says there was a major decision for the existing center.
Other options included a full demolition and space conversion or maintaining the building with varying interior changes.
There was also conversation about improvements to the DeBauge Soccer Complex. Harter says new lighting is likely, with a decision on reseeding or turfing the space to be made later.
Harter says the goal is to keep the entire price tag under $53 million.
