Lawrence Parks & Recreation Department Lawrence Activity and Wellness Center Overview
Where we’ve been • Sales tax passed in 1994 to fund, in part, parks and recreation facilities and programming • Major improvements – Lawrence Aquatics Center – Softball and baseball – East Lawrence Center – Holcom Recreation Center
Where we’ve been • Additions – Prairie Park Nature Center – Eagle Bend – Bike paths – Trails – Indoor Aquatic Center
Where we are • Last new recreation center, Holcom, was built in 1988 – nearly 25 years ago • Population has grown 32% - 29,000 people – since that time • Facilities shortage – About 20 fewer gyms than needed for a community this size to meet programming needs
• In 2006, the PLAY study was commissioned by the City of Lawrence, Lawrence School District, Douglas County and the Lawrence Chamber to identify recreation needs in the community
• Five Recommendations – The construction of an indoor fieldhouse – A school district sports complex – Upgrades to the YSI complex – Upgrades to Free State High School – Upgrades to Lawrence High School
• The only need from that study not yet addressed is the fieldhouse • Gym space situation has worsened since the study was completed. – Have lost access to 6 ½ gyms and have reduced access to others • Closing of Sport 2 Sport • No access to Robinson Gymnasium at KU • Conversion of small gym at East for gymnastics • Reduced access to school district facilities – Increased enrollment in LPRD indoor programming
Where we’re going … • Beyond the 2006 study, LPRD has continued to seek public input regarding addressing this need • In 2009, LPRD hosted public meetings and conducted additional surveys, which garnered more than 1,000 responses • Gym space was confirmed as the City’s primary recreational need
We need gyms, but where?
Continuing progress • In October 2011, the City Commission hosted a study session and reviewed the feasibility of moving forward with recreation facility in the northwest quadrant of the city • Preliminary site was city-owned property near Overland and Wakarusa, west of Free State High School
Fundraising and architecture • In October/November 2011, the City interviewed fundraising firms to assist with raising additional dollars to enhance the project and architectural firms to begin preliminary plans • The City Commission tabled plans to hire firms from those interviews due to a new opportunity that was presented at the Nov. 8 City Commission meeting
Donation of Land • Duane and Steve Schwada proposed the donation of 50 acres of land at the intersection of 6 th Street and K-10 as a potential site for the recreation center Proposed site
Donation of Land • In comparison, area outside here – Bauer Farms and area around 6 th & Wakarusa is 40 acres. • This is a BIG donation of developable land
Ongoing Negotiations • The City also was approached by another local developer who shared the Schwadas’ vision for a larger, multi-purpose facility and who envisioned a partnership with KU to fulfill their need for an outdoor track and field venue
Great potential • All the parties involved began extensive research into other recreation projects – New Century Fieldhouse in Gardner – New recreation facility in Olathe – Comparisons of other facilities in Topeka and Kansas City – Frisco, Texas Fieldhouse
Win, win, win • The collaboration among the City, multiple developers and KU is resulting in a site plan that would create a tremendous community asset that none of the partners could achieve independently – Addresses pressing need for additional gym space – Tournaments create economic development potential – At this point, KU is a very likely partner with the City and the builder
Conceptual site plan (very preliminary and subject to change)
What’s inside • Tentative plans – Eight full courts, with no less than 12 cross-courts at a minimum of 50 x 70 – Indoor turf area – Walking track – Wellness Center • Lawrence Memorial Hospital is interested in partnering in this aspect of the facility – Community space for cardio and weights – Potential for gymnastics and/or multi-purpose areas • Would like your input during tonight’s Q&A
What it will cost • Initial plan for the facility at Overland/Wakarusa was around $14 to $15 million – This money is coming from existing sales tax funds, using availability created as aquatic center bonds are paid off • Assists Foundation still participating in discussions • City would put in additional funding for infrastructure and site improvements • KDOT beginning study of intersection improvements • Both of those items would need to be addressed over time with or without this project. Pooling everyone’s resources as part of an overall project reduces costs and optimizes use of combined funds
What else is happening • Annexation of the property has been completed • Awaiting a recommendation by the Planning Commission for rezoning of the property
Tonight’s agenda • Video of the Frisco, Texas Fieldhouse • Bob Sanner, Lawrence Convention & Visitors Bureau • Q&A Session • Input regarding what to include in the project • Discussion of user fees and access availability • General questions about the project • Public hearing format • Each speaker allowed 3 minutes
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