There is a lot of work ahead and even more possibilities for the Emporia Recreation Commission as it looks at the possibility of a brand-new facility.
During the commission’s monthly meeting Monday night, commissioners received a presentation from the Future Funding Task Force which included potential funding options and locations. According to Assistant Director of Rec Operations Amanda Gutierrez, there are currently three avenues the commission could explore for funding.
As for locations, Gutierrez says the commission could keep the current facility as is, move to the Lower North Building or construct a new facility near the Jones Aquatic Center. Gutierrez stated these are not the only options that could be considered, they are simply the only three that have been presented at this point.
She says there is the potential for more options to come forward in the near future. Regardless of the final decision, Gutierrez says there was a general consensus amongst task force members that the current rec center facility should remain in use in some way.
The future funding task force will next meet at noon Jun. 5 inside of the Lee Beran Recreation Center. The community is welcome to attend that meeting.
Gutierrez says the task force is hopeful it will have a formal recommendation ready to be presented to both ERC and City Commissioners by the end of August.
In other business Monday, commissioners also approved the Jones Aquatic Center management agreement for the 2023 season. The agreement now includes an “act of God” clause according to Rec Director Tom McEvoy. He says the clause gives the rec commission “more flexibility” when responding to either a major health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or a natural disaster.
He adds the flexibility covers virtually all areas of operation.
Additionally, the agreement included an increase in funding for the JAC of $94,000 which will, in part, accommodate an approved increase in salary for both lifeguards and pool managers.
The Emporia Recreation Commission will next convene in June.
