Council had a presentation from an outside consultant on that gave the results of the feasibility study they completed related to a potential Community/Rec Center here in the City of Stow. This was a result of interest shown in our most recent Parks Master Plan that was completed last year. Highlights of the presentation include:
- Study included 1,432 responses to an online survey and focus group feedback.
- Facility would be approximately 80,000 square feet.
- Amenities are not fully decided, but initial design includes:
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- Indoor courts (2)
- Could be used for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.
- Limited bleacher space.
- Indoor turf space (1)
- Approximately the size of a basketball court.
- Elevated walking track above the court and turf space.
- Cardio equipment and weightlifting space.
- Flexible indoor meeting areas.
- Locker rooms.
- Aquatics area.
- This area is not defined as to what type of aquatics would be built.
- Indoor courts (2)
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Budget to build the project was estimated at $43,000,000. An issue would be put before the voters to determine if they would want to fund this type of facility through a tax increase
Recommended fee structure would include daily rates along with membership rates. There would be resident and non-resident rates, actual rates would need to be determined.
Estimated annual operating costs would be approximately $3,000,000 and estimated annual income would be approximately $2,000,000. Recommended that shortfall of $800,000 to $1,000,000 be covered by an on-going levy issue that would cover the operation of the facility along with including funds for on-going park maintenance as well.
A full copy of the report should be available with the next Council meeting minutes and available on the City website.
While this study is a good start to understand the appetite of our community for a Community/Rec Center, there are still a lot of details that would need to be finalized before this can move on to the voters.
The amenities of the facility need to be finalized. The voters need to know what they would be getting for this tax issue to determine if they are willing to pay for it.
Once the amenities are finalized then building costs and on-going operating costs would need to be determined so the City can finalize the ballot issue and impact to residents.
While I absolutely believe this is an important issue and one that many residents would like to see on the ballot, I believe it is imperative that we get the details finalized and the question detailed enough for the residents to make a good decision. If we rush the issue and do not have the details finalized, I do not believe we will be giving this the best opportunity to pass.
Council approved the Administration to go out to bid for the replacement of playground equipment for the Meadowbrook Lake playground. Last year we were able to replace two other playgrounds in the City, this replacement is important to show the on-going importance of maintaining what we currently have prior to adding additional equipment. After this item goes out for bid the Administration will review the bids received with the Parks and Rec Board to choose a final vendor and design for the equipment.
Council also approved the Administration to go out to bid for new natural playground equipment at Adell Durbin park. This equipment would be separate from the current equipment at Adell Durbin and would be closer to the tennis courts. This equipment would be unique and different from our other playground equipment and would be a more natural type of equipment that would feel like playing in nature vs. traditional playground pieces. Again, the Administration will work with the Parsk and Rec Board to choose a final vendor and design for this additional playground space.
Council’s April meetings have been shifted to Wednesdays for both meetings due to scheduling conflicts, so Council’s April meetings will be Wednesday April 12th and Wednesday April 26th, starting at 5:30 for committees and the regular council meeting will follow.