In a recent government meeting, the Rosedale Development Association (RDA) presented plans for a new community center at Fisher Park, a project that has garnered significant community interest over the years. Erin Stricker, the executive director of RDA, outlined the proposal, emphasizing the center's potential to serve as a hub for local residents, particularly youth.

The initiative stems from a 2015 community survey, which revealed that 84% of respondents were in favor of establishing a community center, a facility that Rosedale has lacked since the closure of the Bell Recreation Center in 1997. The RDA has been actively engaging the community to determine the desired features of the center, which include a fitness area, gymnasium, and multipurpose spaces for events and classes.

The project is positioned within the broader context of the Rosedale Master Plan, adopted in 2016, which aims to enhance community support and public spaces. The first step in this plan was the development of a concept for Fisher Park, which now serves as the proposed site for the community center.

Funding for the project is a critical aspect, with RDA applying for a significant grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Inflation Reduction Act. This grant, which could provide between $10 million and $20 million, is intended for constructing a climate resiliency hub that can operate independently during emergencies. The RDA's board has expressed strong support for pursuing this funding opportunity, recognizing its potential to fully finance the community center's construction.

To facilitate the project, the unified government is considering a resolution to authorize the county administrator to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with RDA. This MOU would allow RDA to lease part of Fisher Park, ensuring that the park remains under unified government control while enabling the development of the community center.

The timeline for the grant application is tight, with submissions due by November, and the RDA hopes to receive funding decisions by March. The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between RDA and the unified government, with both parties committed to ensuring the project's success and sustainability for the Rosedale community.