Significant decisions are still ahead for the Emporia Recreation Commission’s Steering Committee when it comes to a new public recreation center and renovations to the Lee Beran Rec Center.
Those decisions could be made at the Steering Committee’s next meeting April 28.
Committee Chair Deon Morrow, KVOE’s Newsmaker guest Wednesday, has told KVOE News cost estimates and architect renderings should be ready for consideration by the next meeting.
Morrow says the overall plan reflects what the community has indicated are their biggest needs in public recreation, including three gymnasiums, a wider walking track, indoor aquatics with two bodies of water, indoor play space, a larger fitness area and indoor turf. Morrow sees the renovation at Lee Beran could lead to a reconfiguration of sorts as well.
There is a lot of opposition, however, given the original price tag of $45 million and a string of business closures and related job losses.
In acknowledging the concerns, Morrow says new public recreation facilities will offer major benefits to the community.
The current plan is for a $22 million bond package to be funded by a 0.25-percent sales tax. The location is still to be determined, with the Jones Aquatic Center and Champions Landing under consideration. Steering Committee members want to have the issue on the November ballot, but things could shift to next March.
