What's Plan B for joint-use rec center?

Members of the Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission will consider what to do next now that crucial state funding for a joint-use recreation center at Western Nevada College isn't coming.

The city has had most of its share of the money for a new recreation center, but had been waiting for college officials to pursue funds from legislators.

"We're interested in what people think," said Donna Curtis, chairwoman of the commission.

One of the ideas is a scaled-down project with a different partner: a gym with the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada.

"We're not in the building business, we're in the kid business," said Hal Hansen, the organization's chief professional officer. But "we need a gym; they need a gym."

"Building a gym would take care of the immediate need for indoor recreation space," said Roger Moellendorf, the city's parks director.

The site would be near the intersection of Russell Way and Northridge Drive, not far from where the Boys & Girls Club has nearly completed its new headquarters. The club still needs money to finish site, parking and landscaping work, however, and selling land to the city for a gym would help the organization achieve its goals, Hansen said.

Other options - new and existing - include JohnD Winters Centennial Park, Edmonds Sports Complex, Mills Park, downtown, or even purchase of a portion of the Lompa property.

And "there are several options within each," Moellendorf said.

JohnD has been the alternate location for a recreation center. Edmonds and Mills parks were also on the short list for potential sites.

The city is seeking control of the old post office building downtown on East Washington Street, possibly for a new public library. The Carson City Arts and Cultural Coalition is looking at how to create a performance arts center.

There might be opportunities for the Parks and Recreation Department that result from these plans, either for a gym, recreation or even a leisure pool location, Moellendorf said.

If the library ends up moving to a new location, for example, its current site could provide more space or more parking for recreation, he said.

Question 18 funds will comprise the project budget. Voters approved the quarter-cent sales tax for parks and open space in 1996. Discussion at that time also focused on need for more indoor recreation space.

The meeting is at 5:30 tonight. Residents are invited to participate in the discussion. No action will be taken.

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

If you go

WHAT: Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission meeting

When: 5:30 p.m. today

WHERE: Sierra Room of the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.