Residents interested in plans for a joint-use recreation center proposed by Carson City and Western Nevada Community College can learn more at an information meeting on Jan. 23.
The event will be 7-8:30 p.m. in the Reynolds Technology Center on the WNCC campus.
For example, enough work had been done to show people "a floor plan and how all the parts relate to each other," said Vern Krahn, the city's parks planner.
People can ask also questions and view preliminary design concepts about the 62,000-square feet multi-story building that would be on the WNCC campus, east of the Joe Dini Library at the end of West College Parkway. It would house a multipurpose gymnasium, indoor walking track, cardio fitness area and leisure pool.
WNCC would require multipurpose space and other school facilities within the center if they become partners. Carson City already plans to spend $8 million on the project. Any money from the state to provide WNCC's share would be matching funds. The site will be part of their share. The plan being presented at this meeting is for a project with a $20 million price tag, he said.
The state university system's board of regents ranked the project 16th among 30, but state budget priorities are focused on the prison system. While the state's financial needs will play a big part in whether the college gets the money, it's "also going to be a political decision," he said.
WNCC's share depends on whether legislators support the project enough to provide a matching amount. City and college officials continue working to convince state representatives that the project is worthy of state dollars, he said.
If the joint-use plan falls through, the alternative site is John D Winters Centennial Park. This plan would cost an estimated $10 million. However, concerns about long-term costs to run the center are the primary reason why the city wants to have a partner to share operating expenses, said City Manager Linda Ritter.
"We might not be able to afford to operate it on our own," she told the commissioners in September.
• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.
If you go
WHAT: Information meeting about plans for a recreation center
WHEN: 7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 23
WHERE: Reynolds Technology Center, Western Nevada Community College campus
INFO: Carson City Parks and Recreation Department, 887-2262
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