Alternative sought to joint-use recreation center

Should Carson City's plan for a joint-use recreation center with Western Nevada Community College fall through, the community will need another facility besides its Community and Aquatic centers next to Mills Park.

Members of the city's Parks and Recreation Commission are seeking guidance from residents before they select this site. They will meet at 5:30 p.m. today to discuss the matter, and make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors at another time.

"The commission would like to see a back-up option," said Supervisor Pete Livermore, who also sits on the commission. While members are "sensitive to supporting WNCC, they also want to be sure there's a plan in place should it be necessary."

Other sites being considered for a recreation facility are Mills Park, the Edmonds Sports Complex, JohnD Winters Centennial Park and property at Arrowhead Drive and Goni Road.

The college wants to provide up to $8 million for the project in matching funds with the city. Funding from the college is subject to approval by the state and must first be approved by the Board of Regents and, eventually, the Legislature. The regents determine whether the project moves forward, and there should be some indication from this board by June.

Some parks and recreation staff members also provided opinions on which site would work best before WNCC officials publicly expressed their interest in a joint-use facility. The four employees considered effects the center would have on the neighborhood and its fit in to the social fabric at that location, said Roger Moellendorf, the city's Parks and Recreation director.

The employees cited one first-choice location: Edmonds Sports Complex. The report stated, "it is generally seen as the best all-around site because of its potential for expansion, the synergy potential with the youth sports complex located on the site, and the potential for future residential growth" in the Schulz Ranch and north Douglas County areas.

Edmonds lacks good bicycle and pedestrian access, is on the "extreme" south end of the city and may require moving the BMX track, also according to the report.

WNCC was cited as the second-choice location by two of the four employees. And the other two sites that received one second-choice vote each were JohnD Winters Centennial Park, and land near the corner of Arrowhead Drive and Goni Road.

Adding buildings to the current community center next to Mills Park would have location and staffing advantages. Some residents don't want to see the park lose green area. Other problems with this site include moving the aquatic center drainage system and a lack of parking that would require agreements with neighbors across Roop and William streets.

The Board of Supervisors has directed city staff to pursue a potential location on the WNCC campus.

• 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, Community Center, 851 E. William St.

What's happening

In addition to discussions about a second option for a city recreation center parks. commissioners will recommend to the Carson City Board of Supervisors a set of policies and fees for commercial auto shows to be held in city parks.

"Staff wants to control car shows to ensure they aren't a dominating use of the park." said Roger Moellendorf, the city's Parks and Recreation director.