Study could take four months, new facility could be two years out
By Randy Arington
LURAY, Oct. 19 — On Monday night, the Page County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the allocation of $36,000 for a feasibility study that will outline the details they will need to discuss before moving forward with creating a Recreation and Wellness Center.
“Until we get some hard data, I think it’s hard to justify doing it or not doing it,” said Page County Recreation Director Andrew Good.
The idea of a county recreation center has been kicked around for several years. Last year at this time, the board seemed close to moving forward with a plan that involved a parcel of land adjacent to the Page County Technical Center. The proposal was soon scraped as Tech Center supporters wanted to hold on to the open space for future expansion of that facility.
Subsequent discussion of alternative locations fizzled out a few months later as the board’s attention became focused on a school facilities study, which could lead to anything from school closures, to new school construction, or both. The potential for a former school to later serve as a recreation center has been discussed as a possibility.
The feasibility study, according to Good, will provide a number of data points that will guide future decisions — everything from who would use the facility and the overall demand for such a facility; to revenue projections, operating expenses and a five-year plan. The study will likely include two or three options — one focused on a smaller-scale plan for a facility that just serves the local community, another focused on a larger model that also serves tourists (a potential revenue driver), and maybe something “in the middle.”
The cost of the feasibility study will be split between Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT or “lodging tax”) funds and the Recreation Department’s enterprise fund, which is built up by the profit from fees and fundraisers. The county’s Rec Department records about $10,000 in profit each year, according to the director.
“The whole goal of the enterprise fund was always to try to get a rec center,” Good said.
District 3 Supervisor Ryan Cubbage recommended forming a committee to steer teh project and help Good.
“It’s going to be a big project,” Good said. “I don’t think it’s anything that I can do by myself. I think having different points of view is pretty important when you are talking about a community project like this, so I would totally be for that.”
The feasibility study is expected to take three to four months to complete. It would be at least two years, Good said, before a new facility could actually open its doors to the public, and that’s iff the county moves forward without any further derailments.
For more information on Page County government,
•••
RELATED ARTICLES
VIDEO ~ Page Valley Livin’ talks with Page County Rec Director Andrew Good
Supervisors to issue RFP for Page County Recreation and Wellness Center
County anticipates state grant to help fund new Rec Center and transportation study
Supervisors reluctantly agree to name bridge, rec center discussed and other county news
I think this is a great step forward for Page County! A Recreation and Wellness Center could be a tremendous asset to our community, providing affordable fitness opportunities, recreational activities, and wellness programs for residents of all ages. Investing in healthier lifestyles and quality of life is something that benefits everyone.
I especially like the potential to incorporate tourism into the plan. Offering day passes or short-term memberships to visitors staying in our hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals could generate additional revenue while supporting our local tourism economy.
I would also encourage county leaders to look at the new Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center as an example of how recreational facilities can benefit residents while attracting visitors and supporting economic development.
Of course, costs and long-term financial sustainability are important, which is exactly why the $36,000 feasibility study makes sense. It’s a relatively small investment to explore what could become a wonderful long-term asset for Page County.
This could be much more than just a gym. It could be a meaningful investment in the health, wellness, and future of our community!