Kingman council reviews feasibility, funding options for proposed recreation center

KINGMAN, Ariz. — The Kingman City Council on Tuesday reviewed a market feasibility update and options to pay for a proposed indoor recreation and multipurpose events center, hearing that local demand exists but that construction and operating costs will be substantial and likely require voter-approved property-tax debt or other dedicated funding.

Consultant Tyler, who presented follow-up findings from a market study produced for the city, told the council that survey and interview work showed "a lot of demand for youth sports space" and for a community "third place" while noting regional gaps in sports facilities within a one- to two-hour drive. Tyler said about 1,500 residents completed the online survey, with nearly 1,100 respondents living inside Kingman city limits.

The study outlined two building options: a dedicated indoor sports and recreation center (Option 1) and a larger multipurpose event center with a flat concrete floor for concerts and shows (Option 2). Tyler estimated construction costs at about $39 million for the sports-focused option and about $54 million for the larger multipurpose option. He said Option 2 could generate roughly $2 million in economic impact annually and about 10,000 additional attendee days and 1,600 additional room nights compared with…