This graphic from Bandstetter Carroll Inc. shows the planned layout of the proposed family aquatics center to be built at Clague Park.

By Kevin Kelley

Westlake

Westlake City Council took two key steps Thursday toward finalizing a package of recreation amenities it hopes voters will agree to fund at the Nov. 7 election.

At a meeting of Councils public grounds, buildings and recreation committee, members approved a conceptual plan for a new $7.4 million family aquatics center that would replace Peterson Pool at Clague Park. The committee also agreed to have an architectural firm prepare detailed plans so construction bids can quickly be obtained should the funding measure pass.

Assuming voters agree to extend an existing income tax dedicated to recreational purposes, Peterson Pool would be demolished in early 2018, with the new pool opening in May 2019, according to Recreation Director Bob DeMinico.

Council members also agreed a proposed new $9.4 million community services center should be located at the Westlake Recreation Center, which has entrances on both Center Ridge Road and Hilliard Boulevard. Council also accepted a study that determined the new center should contain approximately 24,000 square feet of space.

Thats about double the size of the current community services center, which houses the citys programs for senior citizens.

Community Services Department Director Lydia Gadd said the current center lacks the space for activities sought by a growing senior population. The fact that the current center is a multi-level building makes access a challenge for many seniors, Gadd said, even though it contains an elevator.

Mayor Dennis Clough noted focus group interviews with seniors who regularly utilize the center preferred that the new center be built at the Parkside School building. In a recent complex real estate transaction, the city acquired the Parkside School, but agreed to rent it back to the Westlake City Schools to continue to use for its administrative offices. Seniors second choice was the current community services center location at the corner of Center Ridge and Crocker roads. Council members, however, preferred it be located at the rec center, saying it gave more flexibility in the utilization of municipal property.

City leaders hope to fund the new aquatics center and community services center, as well as roughly $17.7 million in other recreational projects such as running trails and athletic fields, by extending an existing income tax earmarked for recreational purposes. The current tax of one-eighth of 1 percent (0.00125) expires at the end of 2020. The proposal would extend it for 25 years.

The recreation department sought public input throughout 2014 as it developed a rec master plan. Efforts to solicit residents opinions included a public workshop, written and online surveys, and meetings with community focus groups. A new outdoor pool was determined to be the priority of residents.

City Council President Mike Killeen said he was confident voters will pass the tax extension. Killeen also denounced rumors to the effect that the city can fund the proposed projects without extending the recreation income tax.

The council president later told West Life that members have received letters from residents claiming the legislative body is opposed to building the aquatics center. This is not true, Killeen said.

Someone out there is stoking that fire, Killeen told West Life.

Public Grounds Committee Chairman Ken Brady said the balance in the citys rec fund will be around $5 million or $6 million when the current tax expires at the end of 2020. Thats not enough to fund any of the major projects envisioned in the citys recreation plan, the Ward 5 councilman said.

These projects are basically being dependent on the levy being passed as soon as possible so we know the funds are coming in, Brady said. If that levy is passed, then we can start those projects as soon as we get that word. So I just want to make it clear, we dont have the money now, I dont believe, to start any of these projects. Or, if we did, theyd be minor [projects].

Excerpt from:

Rec tax extension moves closer to November ballot - West Life News