WNCC might end up owning new rec center building

Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission approved changing the site of a proposed joint-use recreation center to a location closer to Western Nevada Community College campus facilities.

The new site is across the street from the Joe Dini Library, at the end of West College Parkway.

The partnership agreement is expected to include giving ownership of the building to the college. This would be required for the state to supply the college's share of the funding, said Roger Moellendorf, the city's parks and recreation director.

The city, which already has raised much of its share for the $16 million center, would operate it, he said.

"We can be equal partners in it, but we don't own anything?" Commissioner John Felesina asked.

Ensuring all interests are protected long term by creating an "iron-clad agreement" is crucial, Moellendorf said after the meeting.

It's not an impossible task, however, because the city and college "have common interests," he said.

Felesina also wondered whether the back-up plan for a city-owned and -operated center at JohnD Winters Centennial Park was still viable, especially after City Manager Linda Ritter said recently it might be too expensive for the city to operate its own center long term.

The alternate city-only plan will be considered if the joint-use center falls through, but "we know funding is a difficulty," Moellendorf said.

The site is designated in the college's master plan as suitable for development. It was being eyed as the site of a campus arts center by college officials.

Other advantages it has over the currently proposed Combs Canyon Road site: It needs fewer street and utility improvements, has better access from points on campus, and has existing parking nearby - all of which could cut costs, Moellendorf said.

It's also closer to existing pedestrian pathways, bicycle lanes and the Jump Around Carson bus service.

"I think it's going to be seamless. I don't think the ownership - in the long run - is going to make a difference," Moellendorf emphasized.

The project was being planned for north of campus at the end of Combs Canyon until officials decided it would take too long to obtain a portion of the site necessary to house the center, as envisioned from the Division of State Lands.

Commission members will consider a draft version of the construction and operating agreement between the city and college during their Jan. 16 meeting. The commissioners will provide their recommendations to the Board of Supervisors - which would have final say.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

For your information

A public information workshop about the joint-use recreation center is scheduled from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Jan. 23 in Room 103 of the Reynolds Center for Technology, Western Nevada Community College.