Rec District OKs center expansion

MONTROSE - More recreational space could come to Montrose by this time next year, following the Recreation District Board’s approval to expand facilities.

The board on Thursday OK’d plans to build onto the Aquatic Center in the first phase of the Indoor Recreational Facility project �” a scaled back version of original expansion plans.

“The most important thing is that we have serious programming needs, that available space around town is becoming more and more difficult to get,” Board President Jerilyn Sheldon said of the decision to move ahead despite last year’s failed mill-levy ballot measure to gain voter funding.

Often programs get canceled last minute because of the scheduling difficulties associated with the activities, she said.

Although the entire board supports the project, one of the five members present to vote abstained because of a possible conflict of interest, Sheldon said. The remaining members voted to approve the final plans.

Executive Director Dean Palmquist said the goal for the first phase is to provide the community with much needed recreation space that can be used for more than one activity.

At an estimated cost of about $1.5 million, phase one includes the creation of staff offices, a family changing room, a conference room, a break room, a renovated lobby, a new entrance area and an 1,800 square-foot multipurpose room with a partition. The room is anticipated to host activities like early childhood and arts programs, said Becky Roberg, community relations specialist for the district.

“The only spaces we do have for programs like that (currently) are gymnasiums and (those) are maxed out with students in the school district ... we’re seeing a lot of overlapping,” Roberg said.

Funding for the first phase of the project will come from grants, in-house resources and some debt service, she said. Roberg said the district has already applied for and received a $300,000 Department of Local Affairs grant.

The district hopes to break ground in mid-September, with an anticipated completion date in September 2009, Roberg said. The cost and timeline of phase two remains undetermined. It will involve the construction of a gym, with two full-sized courts, and attached locker rooms.

Sheldon said the board feels that increased patron fees brought on by increased use of the expanded facility should help sustain operations.

Contact Lisa Huynh via email at lisah@montrosepress.com