Your Opinion: Revisit concept of multipurpose building

Dear Editor:

A joint-venture recreation center?

I would suggest that an $8 million dollar recreation center with seven basketball courts is probably not what this city really needs. While I do not know the full scope of the envisioned project, one facility at a sole location in the city is not advantageous to all city residents.

The Chamber of Commerce's previous proposal, a joint-venture with city Parks and Recreation and Special Olympics, with school-board property and the use of the sales tax, earmarked for tourism and a convention center is to essentially spend money as fast as you can - irresponsibility, pure and simple.

The proposal of partnering with Lincoln University on university property appears a more feasible proposition if this concept becomes a reality. Both entities should question the National Guard concerning a similar project accomplished at Maryville where the city obtained university property to establish an industrial tract west of campus and built a new armory to provide a joint-use park's department recreational facility and armory - sharing common needs.

Above all, I would suggest that the overall concept be revisited if the park's project is really a valid need. Would not several smaller facilities be more practical and serve the community on the whole better? There are many vacant buildings all over the city that could be re-purposed to provide smaller recreational facilities throughout the city.