Rec district plans moving forward

Elmore County Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to decide tonight (Jan. 21, at 7 p.m.) whether to grant a conditional use permit to the Western Elmore County Recreation District (WECRD) for a lighted reader board sign and community center/family recreation center.

Before moving any further with its plans to purchase ten acres on S. 18th East Street, the WECRD directors -- president, Mollie Marsh, vice president, Doug Belt, and treasurer, Larry Heinen -- want to be sure the district will be allowed to construct the facility on property now zoned for agricultural use and in the flood plain.

A public hearing on the issue was held Jan. 7 during the P&Z commission's regular meeting. Because inclement weather conditions may have prevented people from attending the meeting to offer testimony, the hearing was held open for one week for additional written comment.

"One of the most critical decisions the directors will make is the acquisition of property for the facility," explained President Mollie Marsh, soon after the district was formed. "We are using a facility site matrix to help us make our decision. This matrix helps us to evaluate, objectively, any potential site in regards to several siting aspects, such as, established traffic patterns for vehicular and bicycle transportation, nearness to existing schools or other community facilities, the existence of infrastructure such as curb, gutter, sewer, etc.," she said.

"The proposed site fits the matrix perfectly," said public relations coordinator Teri Smith. Located directly across from Eastside Park on S. 18th East Street, the site is within the area of city impact and could be annexed at a later date. Its close proximity to three schools and other community facilities is what the directors were hoping for when they set out on their search of possible locations, Smith said.

The district has agreed to pay $25,000 per acre for the ten-acre site, with an option to purchase an additional ten acres in the future.

Since its formation, the district completed an extensive business plan and a capital feasibility study. The study was designed to give an indication of the amount of money that can be raised to construct a facility, designed according to the community's recommendations.

Architect Stan Olson of Nampa, developed conceptual drawings of the exterior and inside floor plans for the facility, designed according to the community's recommendations. Olson is known for his design of the Nampa Recreation Center, the Nampa Civic Center and the Idaho Center.

"The design is not set in stone," explained Smith, "but this is what we believe the people have said they want."

Plans call for three distinct components within the facility -- a recreational area with gym for basketball/volleyball etc., space for physical fitness and weight training, racquetball/squash courts, a climbing wall and an elevated indoor track; an aquatic area featuring three pools (a small splash pool for toddlers, a heated hydro therapy pool, and a lap/swim pool); and a soundproofed area especially designed with excellent acoustics and lighting to meet the needs of the artistic community as well as to provide a meeting area.

Construction of the family recreation and community activity facility will cost approximately $10,000,000.

Professional, experienced staff will be hired to manage the facility. Of the numerous professional skills the director and staff will be required to have, grant writing, public relations and fundraising will be among the most important. The total estimated annual facility operations and staffing expenses is $1,329,706. Income, to be generated through family memberships and use fees is estimated at $1,406,745. The facility is expected to generate an anticipated annual positive fund balance of $77,039, to be dedicated to a future facility expansion or repair and equipment purchase and replacement.

In-district residents pay a per-household fee of $34.50 annually. Membership and use fees will be in addition to the per household fee. Nonmember program fees, as well as nonresident membership fees, would be offered at a slightly higher rate.

The district was formed after the city's Blue Ribbon Committee determined there were many citizens in the greater Mountain Home community who were interested in additional recreation opportunities, especially the idea of a year-round family recreation facility. In November 2000, the ballot measure was placed before the voters to accept or reject the formation of the Western Elmore County Recreation District. Voters overwhelming approved forming the district, and in January 2001, the three directors were appointed by Gov. Dirk Kempthorne.

As mandated by Idaho Code, a recreation district is a taxing district, separate from the city or county. A recreation district's sole concern is with recreation within its boundaries. Providing adequate recreation facilities for public use is declared to be a public benefit, use and purpose which enhances the value and quality of life and which materially assists in correcting or eliminating social ills such as delinquency, crime, excessive use of alcohol, drug abuse and discrimination.

The district's boundaries include the greater Mountain Home residential and trade area. Glenns Ferry and Hammett are not part of the WECRD because the two towns are within the Eastern Elmore County Recreation District. WECRD also does not include the communities of Bruneau, Grand View, Pine or Featherville.

The WECRD directors meet the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Mountain Home City Council Chambers.

To follow the progress of the family recreation/community activity facility, log onto the district's web site at www.wecrdgov.org.