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Bay Village discusses combining senior and recreation services into new multi-use center
Summary
Council heard a joint report recommending a combined Community Services (senior) and Recreation facility to meet growing senior population demands, address building deficiencies at the existing senior center, and create flexible multi-use programming. Council asked architects to present options and weighed renovation vs. new construction.
Bay Village officials presented a draft plan to combine the Community Services (senior) center and the Recreation Department into a single multi-use facility to expand programming, improve accessibility, and create flexible studio and meeting spaces.
"It comes down to the space we have now versus the space we need to become more competitive and to satisfy the needs of our senior residents and the entire community," Community Services Director Kathy Messeri said while reviewing survey results that showed seniors want more programming, improved ADA access and updated facilities. The draft attached to the meeting minutes projects local and national increases in the senior population that informed the recommendation.
Recreation Director Dan Enovitch said the Recreation Department was displaced in 2020 and needs permanent office, studio and storage space to restore and expand adult fitness and youth programs. Mayor Koomar and staff noted other cities’ shared-campus models — Solon, Independence and Strongsville — as examples of multi-use layouts that Bay Village could adapt.
Building Director Eric Tuck-Macalla and Director of Public Service and Properties Mary Kay Costello reported significant infrastructure problems at the current Community Services building, including "a great deal of electrical piece-meal" installations, undersized electrical service, multiple separate HVAC systems and floor issues that may require substantial work. The officials said those conditions make renovation complex and could leave less usable space than a new build.
Council debated next steps and timing. Councilman Michael Greco noted a recent Rocky River project as a local comparator: "Rocky River spent between $2 million and $3 million, adding a 200-seat lecture hall, full fitness and dance areas, and storage to the main building." Members agreed to invite Sixmo Architecture to present options in the first quarter and to continue sizing and cost discussions with the Finance Committee. The Council also discussed how the project must be balanced with other capital priorities such as the fire station and sewer infrastructure.
Law Director Mark Barbour cautioned that the Cahoon Will restrict certain park-related activities on Sundays and advised staff to confirm which program types would be allowable if the facility is located on Cahoon Memorial Park property. The Council did not take formal action; directors will return with assessments and architect presentations for further consideration.
