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Seward officials and residents back study to convert closed middle school into recreation hub
Summary
Parks and Recreation staff outlined plans to repurpose the closed Seward middle school as a consolidated community recreation center and rental space; staff warned start-up costs and utilities (estimated about $200,000/year) will require a funding plan and further council direction.
Russ White, a Parks and Recreation presenter, told the Seward City Council at a work session that the recently closed middle school could become a centralized recreation hub housing teen and youth programs, rentable office and arts space, a gym and a stage and a potential onsite childcare room. "When I heard about the middle school closing and folks came to us about asking whether we could do something with it, I thought if we could take this situation and turn it into more of a positive, by utilizing the space," White said.
White described a two‑pod layout: a north pod for youth programming and rentable office or artist spaces on the north side, while the south pod would host other community uses and a gym suited to existing youth and school athletics. He pointed to Room 18 — which includes a bathroom and exterior door — as especially well suited to a childcare operator. A staff member presenting financial assumptions said the borough would retain building ownership and structural maintenance and that the city would likely be responsible for utilities, which staff estimated at roughly $200,000 a year; staff said that implies a rough breakeven of about $16,500 per month to cover ongoing utility costs.
Public commenters and community groups expressed broad support. "None of us want to see the middle school close, but we are in support and excited that this is something the city is considering," Lily Coyle of the Student Arts Council told the council, adding the arts council could help program community arts offerings in the building. Resident Micah Van Muskerk said the site would fill gaps in after‑hours programming and suggested small revenue ideas such as a modest RV‑rental tax to help seed operations.
Council members asked practical questions about maintaining access to Avtec amenities — including the racquetball court and sauna — and whether the city could renegotiate its Avtec contract rather than simply duplicate services. Staff recommended a walk‑through of the middle school so councilors can better assess actual space and infrastructure before directing administration to prepare a formal pro forma and lease terms. No formal direction or vote was taken during the work session; staff said if council wishes to proceed they will prepare more detailed cost estimates, draft lease language with the borough and circulate an RFP for potential tenant leases.
