On the Nov. 4 ballot there stands a $9.9 million general obligation recreational facility bond request. The stock market is struggling, the economy is slowing, and the citizens of Peachtree City are voting on a pricey ice rink! What are we thinking?

Here’s what we’re thinking. For an annual per-household cost of about $26, Peachtree City can have recreation and fitness facilities unlike any other on the south side of Atlanta. Much more than an ice rink, this is the beginning of a community and sports complex.

Phase 1 of the conceptual plan includes a 76,000-square-foot ice facility and a 10,000-square-foot fitness center. The second and third phases include an indoor soccer/lacrosse field, public meeting rooms, gymnasium floors, walking trails, and, we hope, a 425-seat performing arts center. All these are detailed on the www.ptcsportsplex.com website.

Could future phases change to incorporate aquatics or other venues? Absolutely. All these plans are conceptual. If change makes economic sense, then City Council can initiate change.

It’s important to note that the bond facility demands that Phase 1 commence only after long-term leases are signed with corporate tenants who meet stringent requirements described in the bond facility language. City Council selects the tenants as well as all other stakeholders in the project.

The concept of this project was born in 2007. It has been the vision of a group of PTC and Fayette County citizens who have spent generously their personal time and money toward civil engineering, architectural design, code compliance, marketing, attending public meetings and of course catching the scrutiny of an educated public. These individuals are promised nothing in return.

Of course you shouldn’t vote “yes” because a handful of people contributed their time and money to get a bond on the ballot. But, we can hope for your vote if you know there has been a tremendous amount of thought by some really creative people who believe this project can work and be an asset for this city.

We see potential value already from the support of the Thrashers and Gladiators; from companies investigating branding opportunities; from potential for tournaments that bring people to the community where they spend for food, lodging, entertainment, and goods.

City Council could have voted to move forward with this project without putting it to the vote of the citizens; however, Council decided that the voters – not just their elected representatives — should decide.

What better way to measure the interest in this complex? If enough voters see what we see, the project can proceed. If not, then it dies without costing the taxpayers anything.

We are asking for the support of the parents and grandparents of the kids who are truly the greatest beneficiaries of the Community and Sports Complex City. Your support can add a terrific amenity to our community and build on our reputation as one of the best communities in America.

Before you vote on Nov. 4, I encourage you to visit www.ptcsportsplex.com.

Rick Halbert

Member of the Committee for PTC Community Center

Peachtree City, Ga.

[Halbert is senior vice president for Group VI Corp., a commercial building company.]