UNION INTERESTED

ENGLEWOOD INTERESTED

MARCH NEWS RELEASE

DAYTON DAILY NEWS COVERAGE

PRESENTATION TO PHILLIPSBURG

EFFORTS CONTINUE, iNDEPENDENT, 9/18/96

BY RON NUNNARI Independent Staff Writer

The Greater Northmont Recreation Center Task Force made a presentation to the Northmont Round Table on March 27 at the offices of the Clay Township Trustees, recommending that the six political subdivisions that comprise the round table adopt resolutions to create a Joint Recreation District.

The round-table consists of at least two representatives from the six political jurisdictions in the Northmont School District, including Randolph Township, the City of Union, the Village of Clayton, the Village of Verona, Clay Township, and the Village of Phillipsburg.

The Greater Northmont Recreation Task Force was established by the round table in Feb. 1995 to study the possibility of constructing a recreation center at some location in the Northmont area.

The recommendation of the recreation task force to create a Joint Recreation District pursuant to Ohio law set the stage for the possible construction of a recreation center and sports complex in the Northmont area.

A Joint Recreation District can be created by any number of Political subdivisions by having the respective legislative bodies adopt resolutions by majority vote. Once created, each jurisdiction would then appoint members to serve on the Joint Recreation District board.

A Joint Recreation District then becomes a separate and independent government entity capable of applying for grants, and seeking voter approval of property tax levies.

Those appointed to serve would not be current elected office holders, but would be individuals who have a strong interest in promoting recreational activities in the Northmont community.

According to recreation task force members, the recreation district board of trustees would consist of at least nine members. The current 25 member task force would continue to serve in an advisory capacity to this board of trustees, but would only meet on a quarterly or semi-annual basis.

During its 30 minute presentation, the task force explained to the round table members the entire process they used to arrive at the final recommendation. 'The process included the task force meeting several times with a facilitator who helped with the adoption of a mission statement, and who helped establish goals and specific objectives.

Task force members also went on a bus tour to visit the Jewish Community Center in Trotwood as well as recreational centers located in Kettering and Washington Township.

The task force also heard from the City of Vandalia, which made an in-depth presentation concerning Vandalia's sports complex and proposed recreation center.

"Based upon our study, there are more than 10,600 youths currently participating in recreational activities in the Northmont area," said Ted Gudorf, chair of the Greater Northmont Recreation Center Task Force. "Everyone involved acknowledges that Northmont school facilities are being overrun by existing recreation programs. Moreover, there is a complete lack of practice facilities for soccer, baseball and basketball.

Also, there are a number of new recreational sport activities that could be pursued if a recreation center was constructed.

"While much of our study focused on youth recreation activity, it also became abundantly clear that there are almost no facilities available for adult recreation activities in our community. A sports complex, combined with a recreation center, would solve both problems at the same time."

Task force members believe that it would take approximately three and one half years to conduct a feasibility study, community survey and to construct a substantial sports complex. Following this three and a half year period, task force members believe that work could begin on the construction of the first phase of a recreation center. The recreation center would most likely consist of an aquatics center, fitness center and gymnasium.

"We would anticipate that additional recreational facilities would be constructed in years seven through 10 and would include such things as a water park, running track, senior citizens center, ice rink, racquetball courts, etc.," stated Gudorf.

The overall projected cost of the sports complex and first phase of the aquatics center is estimated by the committee to be between three and four million dollars. The expanded recreation center could cost anywhere from $8 to $12 million, depending on which activities are eventually selected for inclusion in the project.

According to task force sources funds for the construction project would come from state grants, county grants, YMCA capital campaign funds, private donations, membership contributions and property tax levies.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Northmont Round Table representatives from Union, Phillipsburg and Clayton requested that the task force make a similar presentation at their respective council meetings over the next three months.

According to Dave Jones, Greater Northmont Recreation Center Task Force member and chairman of the Northwest YMCA Board of Trustees, one major short term goal of the task force was achieved last Tuesday when he addressed the Englewood City Council.

Although the task force has been meeting regularly for many months and discussing the possibility of building a recreational center for area youth and adults, some task force members, including Jones, believe it is vital for Englewood officials to get involved in some capacity in order for the task force's goals to be realized.

Englewood officials declined to participate in the recreation task force meetings after pulling out of the roundtable talks during the fall of 1995. The city's withdrawal from the roundtable discussions was due to the pending Randolph Township/Clayton merger study issue.

However, after Jones' presentation to the city council, Englewood Mayor Ed Kemper said there is renewed interest in the task force, mainly in that the YMCA, and not municipality representatives, will be largely responsible for the management of the new recreational facility. "That takes it out of a political arena," said Kemper. "Because of that, one obstacle is removed and there is some interest on behalf of the city.

During his presentation to council, Jones shared information the task force has gathered in regard to cost of a sports complex and the need for such a facility. Being the principal of Englewood Hills Elementary, Jones said that all Northmont facilities are at capacity, in that there are no times available for groups to use building gyms for recreation. "The practice and play facilities needs are not being addressed," said Jones. "The Schools have to turn many Groups away because all times are reserved after school hours."

According to task force statistics, 10,568 youngsters participate in sports leagues within the Northmont area. However, the current facilities that exist cater only to children. "We want to allow adults a place to exercise, said Jones. One such way is the creation of a recreation center.

Approximate figures for a recreation center vary greatly with the number of amenities such a facility would include. According to preliminary projections, a sports complex, which would include baseball, softball and soccer fields, in-line skating facility, a concession stand and rest rooms would cost between $700,000 and $1,200,000, aid Jones.

An aquatic center, complete with 25-meter indoor pool, a patio/sun deck, wading pool and a water park with zero-depth pool would come with a sticker price of $2 to $3 million.

Other possibilities include a recreation/fitness center complete with exercise/weight rooms, a dance/gymnastics floor, a 25-meter indoor pool and an outdoor patio would cost between $5 and $8 million.

Possible sites for such a recreation center include an area across from the Miami Valley Career Technology Center or an area near the Northmont High School, said Jones. "The YMCA has done a study of the National Road-Crestway Drive area," said Jones. "It has been determined that persons won't drive more than 20 minutes to a recreation facility, and these areas appear to be a central location."

Where would such money come from? According to Jones, grant moneys and a possible tax on the community could generate the necessary funds. However, the formation of a Joint Recreation District is needed to carry out these functions.

"We (the task force) would ask that each municipality agree to form a joint recreation district and appoint representatives to the Board of Trustees," said Jones. "This way we could apply for grants and have the power to tax residents."

Jones said the recreation district's board of trustees would be made up of individuals from each participating municipality, and the number of trustees (or appointees) per municipality would be based on each community’s population. According to Jones, the task force is considering an 11 person board, of which Englewood and Randolph Township would have three appointees, Union two, and Clayton, Phillipsburg and Clay Township all having one representative.

Those People appointed to the recreation district's hoard would not be a governmental person ideally, Said Jones, so that political issues are not part of the group's discussions. "We want it (a recreation center) for the children and adults of this community," said Jones.

Jones encouraged the city council to approve, by resolution, legislation that would make Englewood part of a joint recreation district and appoint three individuals to the board.

Although interested in the task force discussion and Jones' presentation, the city is not prepared to adopt such a resolution' at this time, said Kemper. "You're asking for a proposal on the first date," joked Kemper.

Jones said he would like to see the formation of a joint recreation district realized as soon as possible, and by this Fall he'd like to see the recreation district board meeting on a regular basis.

Sharing the concerns of other council members, Kemper said that a feasibility study would be encouraged by the city before agreeing to form another level of government such as a joint recreation district.

"We think that before another political entity is established, our inclination is that an in-depth feasibility study be done first and the cost shared by all municipalities in some capacity," said Kemper. "Let's test the waters first and see what interest there is and if people are willing to pay for such a facility.

A feasibility study paid for by area municipalities, possibly on a per capita basis, would be prudent before the formation of a joint recreation district appears to be generally supported by Council.

Another concern, said Kemper, is what the community will look like in the future, mainly the merger study results, and what effect that would have on the recreation district.

Councilman Mike Kline, who also serves on the YMCA Board of Trustees, said that although the recreation center concept is worthwhile, but specifics need to be ironed out. "Is there enough support for a facility? We need clear objectivity," said Kline. "Maybe a feasibility study is the best way.

Both Jones and Kemper said the talks were encouraging and that Englewood is by no means disinterested in participating. However, much work remains to be done.

"This has to be a community wide effort" said Jones. "It has to come from grass roots. Just because the municipalities support it, it doesn't mean a whole lot".

Jones said recreation task force members have been talking with organizations and will continue to talk with area groups about recreational possibilities within the Nathmont area.

Groups interested in receiving information about the recreation task force or having a presentation done before a group should call either Jones at 836-0109 or task face member Charles MacArthur at 836-6533.

BY JANET HAMILTON
Special to the Independent

Dave Jones from the Northmont Recreation Task Force attended the May 14 Phillipsburg council meeting. He talked to the council members about the formation of a recreational district. The task force, made up of representatives from Phillipsburg and other surrounding communities, have developed a mission statement, researched the potential demand for a recreational center, toured facilities, and worked on a proposal for a recreational! center.

One of their suggestions would be to create a sports complex to be developed in stages including outdoor soccer, softball, and baseball fields, and would eventually include an indoor pool. The presentation is being made to all communities to encourage the formation of a joint recreation district which could apply for grants, conduct feasibility studies, and serve other functions.

BY STEPHEN DREW Independent Editor

Although the Greater Northmont Recreation Center Task Force was not successful in acquiring an ED/GE grant through Montgomery County, the organization continues to push forward in the hopes of making a recreational facility in the Northmont area a reality for local residents.

The task force, which is an Outgrowth of the Northmont Roundtable meetings and has met for well over a year, is busy generating support from local groups for a rec center, and for the funds necessary to build and maintain such a facility.

At last Thursday's Englewood/Northmont Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, Charles MacArthur and Dave Jones, both members of the task force, discussed the task force's past actions and future.

"We're trying to build a groundswell for consensus or support," said MacArthur. "I think everyone would agree that this area is lacking in comparisons to other communities in terms of recreational opportunities."

The type of facility sought is still being discussed, and those involved in the task force all believe some type of feasibility study needs to be done to determine if the community is in favor of such a facility, if they would financially support such a center and what activities they would want to be offered.

The application for an Economic Development/Government Equity (ED/GE) grant was earmarked for such a survey, and without the $39,500 - the amount sought - the task force is looking to other possible sources, namely, local government bodies.

The task force is hoping that Northmont area municipalities donate to the cause. Task force chairman Ted Gudorf said he has asked the six area jurisdictions to form a joint recreation district and fund a feasibility study.

According to Gudorf, Randolph Township, Clayton, Clay Township, and Phillipsburg have agreed to the adoption of a joint recreation district, and Englewood and Union have been asked for their support. "I have every reason to believe that all six jurisdictions will participate," said Gudorf.

Funding for the feasibility study, Gudorf has proposed, would be on a per capita basis among the participating jurisdictions.

Should a recreation district be formed, a nine to 12 member board would be established whereby participants would be appointed by those jurisdictions involved.

Englewood Mayor Ed Kemper said the study needs to be done before a joint recreation district is formed. "Before we form a new government entity we need some more information," said Kemper. "We would participate in a study. We're not opposed to the concept if the citizens are in favor of it."

Union Councilman Larry Beyer agreed with Kemper in that a study should be done before the creation of a joint rec district. "Once we create a district, the horse is out of the barn," said Beyer. "If the survey gets poor feedback, then what happens?"

Although Beyer said Union's council hasn't taken a position regarding a joint recreation district or in participating in a feasibility study, he was concerned with the amount Union would have to pay. "I don't know where we'd get the money," said Beyer.

Gudorf said the pro-rec center efforts will continue in the Northmont area. "We'll be talking to sports clubs, church groups and local organizations in an attempt to build support," he said.

Northmont Sports Pages, Clayton/Randolph, Englewood, Northmont Area, Phillipsburg, Union