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Parks & Recreation seeks long-term reserve for new recreation facility as county grows
Summary
Parks and Recreation asked the commission to establish long-term capital reserves for a second recreation facility, citing the aging Betty Queen Center, high demand for programs and a department revenue rate described as roughly 70%—well above national averages.
James Smith, director of Parks and Recreation, asked the commission to create a long-term capital-reserves plan to fund a second community recreation facility.
Smith said the Betty Queen Center was reconstructed more than 23 years ago when the county population was about half of today's and that current facilities routinely reach capacity. "While the facility has served the community well, it is not designed to accommodate the size, diversity, or intensity of use now being experienced," he said, and noted the department achieves a roughly 70% revenue recovery rate that supports reliable operations.
Smith argued a second facility would provide affordable recreational opportunities, senior wellness programs and youth engagement that are important in a rural county where private alternatives may be limited. He recommended gathering public input through town halls and surveys and aligning any new facility decisions with the county's comprehensive plan.
Commissioners asked about competition with private-sector providers and whether public investment could crowd out private recreation entrepreneurs; Smith acknowledged the concern but said the county's growth supports both public and private investment.
The request will be considered along with other capital items at the February public hearing.
