Wednesday, April 18, 2001
The trend is for youth facilities and senior citizens centers to be in one community building.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Is a multipurpose center with meeting rooms, exercise facilities and activities to attract everyone needed here?
That's what parks superintendent Dan Slagle wants to know.
The park board is developing a master plan that will take the park through the next five years. Slagle said a feasibility study to determine if the township needs a recreation center and what should be included in it are part of that plan.
Brandstetter & amp; Carroll, a Cleveland architectural firm, is developing the master plan.
Slagle has conducted research on recreation centers throughout Ohio and thinks such a center would benefit the township and surrounding communities.
Positive effect: "I have found that community recreational centers have had a positive effect. ... I think Boardman Township, because of its size alone, needs a recreation center," he said.
Based on research of other communities, Slagle estimates the cost at $15 million.
Slagle said that, ideally, the community would build the center, but money from fees for its use would sustain it in the long run. He said township residents would likely be given preference on its use.
The superintendent said the growing trend is to combine youth facilities and senior citizens centers into one community building.
To be included: Components vary with the needs of the community, but Slagle said a Boardman center would include a swimming pool for competitive swimming, a family leisure pool, an indoor running track, fitness rooms and multipurpose rooms.
There is vacant land south of township park, but the site will be determined in the feasibility study.
YMCA plans: Plans also have been announced for a YMCA on McClurg Road.
Slagle said recreation centers have coexisted in other communities with Y's and he sees no reason that cannot happen here.
Slagle said there is a large enough population in the township to support both.
Boardman has between 45,000 and 50,000 residents.