County
budget $11 million for southern center
$6
million set for Platte City site
by
Shana Haines
Landmark reporter
The two community centers to be built in Platte County
are well on their way to going from dream to reality.
Monday night, architects from Warner, Nease and Bost
unveiled conceptual drawings of the community centers
expected to be built in Platte City and Parkville. Both
centers will be operated by YMCA of Greater Kansas City.
On hand to view the sketches were representatives of
the YMCA, Platte County Commissioners and members of the
Community Center Steering Committee.
According to 2nd District Commissioner Steve Wegner the
sketches, although conceptual, are similar to the outcome
of the buildings.
"We haven't heard anything that would have altered
the design significantly," Wegner said.
Wegner added the community center in Platte City should
be open the second quarter of the year 2004. The location
for the center in Platte City is on Running Horse Road.
Land negotiations are still being made for property in
Parkville, so it is undetermined when that facility will
be open.
It is expected the community center will be located near
9 Highway, near Parkville Commons, a shopping plaza recently
constructed.
Market studies conducted helped developers decide what
would best meet the needs of community center members.
The study showed that a 55,000 square foot facility would
best meet the needs of southern Platte County residents
and a 27,000 square foot facility would best suit Platte
City.
"The market study told us the population of the
Platte City area is not strong enough to support itself,"
Wegner said.
The Parkville site will be two stories, house a three-lane
pool, a three-lane walking track, gym, a generational/teen
center, senior center, all purpose room, outdoor playground,
sauna, basketball court, volleyball court and several
other amenities.
Platte City's community center will have a two lane pool,
an indoor sports complex and a wellness center, among
several other features. The center will also have the
capabilities for expansion.
Original cost expectations for the projects were at $14
million. However, after county commissioners worked with
architects at Warner, Nease and Boost it was decided the
project should be increased to $17 million.
It is expected $11 million will be spent on the Parkville
project and $6 million on the Platte City site.
Both facilities will have brick and precast architecture
and concrete facades.
Concerns addressed over the centers included the lack
of a regulation sized gym.
Committee member Rhonda Stamper voiced concerns as a
parent that Platte City area youngsters didn't have room
to practice basketball, and that a regulation-sized court
would be beneficial to the facilities.
According to 1st District Commissioner Michael Short,
original plans for a larger gym were made. Short added
due to the market survey, it was found a smaller gym was
sufficient.
The facilities will be total recreation centers, where
a membership to one will allow use of both locations.
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