It's a maxim in the public opinion business that, if you ask for the public's comments, there's no telling what you'll get.
The Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Department has invited the public to opine about the new University Wellness and Parks Multipurpose Recreation Center. Of the comments/questions they've received, some have been based on inaccuracies, parks officials say.
Foremost among comments were several about public access and the links to Lincoln University. Then there were questions about offerings and the facility: Is there going to be room for karte, katas and point sparring? How about a futsal league? What of the Ascension form of meditation? Indoor tennis and soccer? How about using the center for on-campus storage for Lincoln students and faculty?
J.J. Gates, the parks department resources and forestry division director, and Amy Schroeder, a park planner, have replied to each comment from the public, they have told the Parks Commission.
Here's a sampling of those comments, followed by some of the responses from Schroeder:
Rhonda LeCuru, of Jefferson City: "OK, please explain why city tax dollars are going to build a Jeff City-LU multipurpose building, when citizens will not be allowed to use it? Apparently, this was concocted in secret meetings with zero public input. Do not ever expect me to vote for another tax to fund parks/rec."
Parks' response: Prior to the formation of the Parks and Recreation/Lincoln University partnership, each partner was pursuing its own building project. Parks was planning to build a gymnasium fieldhouse facility with four basketball courts and an elevated walking track. Due to funding limitations and to avoid competition with numerous other fitness centers located throughout the city, a fitness center was not a part of the Parks and Recreation Commission's building plans.
Lincoln University was planning to construct a single-floor gymnasium with a wellness/fitness center to serve the student population. Lincoln received a $4 million grant to aid in the construction of its building with emphasis on student wellness. Student activity fees will pay for cardio and weight equipment within the fitness center. Memberships will be sold to the public.
Once the facility is open and usage patterns are determined, other options to increase use will be explored by the facility advisory committee. Overall, the partnership and combining of resources is enabling the construction of a larger building with more program opportunities for the community than if each partner had continued on separate paths.
Scott Robinson, of Jefferson City: "Biggest question is 'why?' If Lincoln University students require this facility then let the university provide it."
Parks' response: A 2011 feasibility study showed an overwhelming want voiced by the various focus groups and stakeholders in the Jefferson City area for indoor multi-purpose gymnasium space. A survey completed as part of this study reported 61 percent of respondents felt that the construction of a new indoor multi-purpose recreation facility was a medium to high priority for the community. This study was completed four years prior to the signing of the Development and Partnership Agreement between City of Jefferson Parks and Recreation and Lincoln University.
Steve Weaver, of Jefferson City: "If the center is not going to be open to the public and have limited access to certain levels, then the city should not be contributing to the project."
Parks' response: All major aspects of the facility (gymnasium, walking track, fitness center and multipurpose/meeting rooms) will be available to the community. As with all other city-run facilities, a public session schedule will be established. Memberships will be available to purchase for access to the facility, and fees are being determined. Drop-in daily passes also will be established.
Angela R. Nale, of Jefferson City: "The biggest concern I hear is that the students will have it reserved 90 percent of the time making it to where it can't be used by the community. I believe certain nights should be set up for Parks and Rec use and certain nights for LU, leaving the weekends open for first come, first served rentals/reserved."
Parks' response: The gymnasium portion of the building is designed to accommodate six junior high school size basketball courts or four high school size basketball courts or six volleyball courts. This enables a 30 percent increase in programmable space while accommodating the needs for various sports at different levels of skill and competition. Under the cooperative agreement, Lincoln University will receive use of the equivalent of one court at all times. Depending on the schedule of programs, there will be times when students may not have access to any courts and, at other times, access to more than one court will be available. Many existing Parks and Recreation programs will be relocated to the building, and there will be opportunities to develop new programs serving the community.
Other public comments included:
Judy Irwin, of St. Thomas: "Would love, love, love to see an indoor tennis facility devoted to tennis and not multiple sports."
Tim Wilding, of Jefferson City: "I hope that some kind of screening or fencing can be put between courts to keep balls from disrupting other games."
Brian Barry, of Jefferson City: "Having turf field(s) for soccer would be an amazing attraction and one that could host tournaments as a mid-point between the KC and STL soccer mega-centers."
Andrew Rackers, of Holts Summit: "I would like to open a karte (low-contact martial arts) class for adults and kids. It's great exercise for both. I teach katas and point sparring."
Ronald Still, of Jefferson City: "Has anyone ever thought about including an on-campus storage facility for the students/faculty?"
Kevin Ward, of Wardsville: "Jefferson City has great potential to host basketball tournaments. Would bring in lots of out-of-town teams with families that spend money."
Jared Kempker, of Jefferson City: "It would be nice to see this facility have the ability to run dual volleyball courts, with a divider between the two."
Katie Johnson, of Jefferson City: "There is currently no youth futsal league in mid-Missouri. Futsal is a form of indoor soccer."
Surya Ishaya, of Jefferson City: "I teach a meditation practice called Ascension. My idea is that we could teach a meditation workshop. Ascension is a very easy meditative practice based on praise, gratitude and love."
Gates and Schroeder are still accepting comments. Schroeder may be contacted directly at [email protected], or 573634-6577. The website is www.jeffersoncitymo.gov/parksabout_us_wellness_center_project.php.
The center's tentative ribbon cutting is set for Jan. 20.