Blue Springs, Mo. – The City Council and Park Commission will kick off a feasibility study for a new community center/natatorium in early November. SFS Architecture partnering with Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture (BRS) has been selected to conduct the study.
The feasibility study, featuring numerous opportunities for public input, will examine options related to size, amenities, programming and community support. A final report, expected in April, will also include a market analysis, construction cost estimates, projected operating expenses and potential facility locations.
“Long identified as a desired asset by the Park Commission, Renew the Blue visioning group, and numerous other stakeholders, a community recreation and aquatic center has taken a back seat to other more pressing priorities with our infrastructure and public safety needs,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “With these items being addressed and plans implemented, we can now turn our attention to quality of life priorities and needs.”
“I first made these comments during my State of the City Address last year that still holds true today; exploring a community center is a priority in my second term as mayor. I encourage everyone to get involved and help us determine what kind of community center would be best for Blue Springs,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “Do we include a swimming pool? How big should the community center be? What kind of usage fees would make sense? Where should we build this center? This process will give us the answers we need to determine what type of facility the community may want.”
The Parks Department will be conducting a statistically valid survey and a series of public meetings to provide residents with the opportunity to weigh in on a potential community center. An Open House is scheduled in December and intended to gather input from residents focusing on the community’s “hopes, dreams and costs.”
“The community will get a very good look at the options and project costs during this study,” said City Administrator Eric Johnson. “Once the study is complete, then we can move on to an analysis of funding options, assess the viability of the project and identify potential partners. We are still in the investigative mode. The City Council and Park Commission and will listen to residents and weigh the options before any decision is made.”
SFS Architecture and BRS Architecture have been working together for the past twelve years specializing in community recreation design in the Kansas City area. Combined, SFS and BRS have completed more than 60 projects in the last 5 years including the LEED Gold Target Olathe Community Center scheduled to begin construction in November 2012.
For more information on the feasibility study or other issues related to a potential community center, contact Dennis Dovel, Director of Parks & Recreation at (816) 228-0265.
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