The Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Commission is ready to talk programming.
At the commission meeting Tuesday, Todd Spalding, the new director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, announced three forums to provide the public an opportunity to see and hear more details about the planned Lincoln University/Parks and Recreation Wellness and Multipurpose Recreation Center on Lafayette Street.
"(Commission President) Denise (Chapel) and I have been speaking quite a bit about addressing the information, getting the word out there, letting the community know just how positive this relationship and collaboration is with Lincoln University," Spalding said. "I just can't imagine a better relationship to get something done for the community than what we're doing here."
The $11.5 million building will be jointly owned and built on the south end of Lincoln's main campus, along Lafayette Street, opposite the Jefferson City High School complex. It will house four basketball courts, a walking track, common/concessions areas and an LU-controlled second floor with a fitness area, classrooms, offices and a game suite.
The contract between LU and parks spells out some details of how the building will operate, while other details of the day-to-day operations still must be determined.
Spalding said open houses are scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18, March 1 and March 2. The first one will be at McClung Park and will feature renderings of the interior and exterior of the facility. Spalding said the public will have the chance to hear the history of the project; it's funding and budget; programming and use discussions, including how parks will be involved and how Lincoln will be involved; and construction updates.
"I think people are going to see it, and I think we can show this community just exactly what this (project) is," Spalding said.
Copies of the agreement between LU and parks will be available, he said, as well as a list of frequently asked questions and answers. After the presentation from staff, Spalding said there will be time for public questions.
Construction on the project has been underway for more than one month, but the commission has not released many details concerning the facility, including final floor plans or blueprints, a break down of the project funding and budget, and what can be expected in terms of programming.