The Fayette County Commission will begin discussion tomorrow on an ambitious upgrade of the county’s recreation facilities.
If fully implemented, the recommended improvements and new facilities could cost more than $42 million and serve the county’s estimated population through 2030.
The upgraded needs assessment for recreation was compiled by the county’s Parks and Recreation Committee and updates the overall recreation plan that was adopted in 2003.
The top priorities outlined by the committee include
• Continuing the operation and improvement of existing facilities.
• Pursuing the land acquisition process to ensure that all residents have adequate access to recreational areas.
• Starting to incorporate multi-use fields in the park planning and building process to meet the needs of non-traditional sports.
• Beginning to incorporate a gymnasium/community center in the planning and building process.
• Incorporating an aquatic center in the planning and building process.
The bulk of the $42 million, nearly $24 million, would be spent in land acquisition costs for future parks. The figure estimates acquiring nearly 800 acres of land at an average price of $30,000 an acre.
If the county decides to build a gymnasium/community center, the facility could also include an indoor pool. Cost estimates for that facility are approximately $8 million.
Other big ticket items include more than $2 million for additional softball fields and $4 million for multi-purpose fields spread throughout the county.
As far as funding the upgrades, the committee suggests tapping a variety of sources, including federal and state grants.
On the local funding side, the committee offered several options, including:
• Floating a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax dedicated to recreation.
• Dedicating part of the millage rate for recreation. The committee estimates an increase of one mill would yield $4.84 million a year for recreation.
• Calling for a bond referendum.
• Creating public/private partnerships.
But in these tough economic times, the upgrades may have to be postponed.
“This is for the commissioners to evaluate. The committee just wanted to show what the costs of the future recreation needs would be,” said county Executive Assistant Carol Chandler.