Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/08/1996

Home

lq and two baseball fields, make Jt ideal for tournaments. Righter e~timates that a multi-day tournament involving seve~ teams would have an economic impact of approximately Offi~aL~ in Mount Slexilx~ and Montgomery' County, Ky. also had ec~ nomic development goals in mind they began construction of much~ playing fields. Aker business and indus- try closings left Montgomery' County with almost 15 percent unemploymex~ civic leaders identified new recreatioml opportun/ties as a way to boost morale and, hopefully, attract new industry. Providing diverse and viable recrea- tional facilities for the county's 25,000 residents would contribute to the muni~'s appeal, vitality and quelity d iiI% says Gary Mcintyre, former execu- tive director of the Mount Stealing/ Montgomery County Recreation Commission. That in turn would make the county as a whole more attractive potential employers.. The solution, Montgom;-ry County leaders decided, was phased develcg- merit of a 68-acre, $7.5 million park that offers something for everyone. Phase 1 of the master plan for Easy Walker Park which was dedicated in September, includes baseball, so[tball and fields; tennis and volleyball courts: horseshoe pits; picnic areas; walking trails: playgrounds: concession stands: and rest rooms, The park is already accomplishir~ its objectives. Mdntyre credits the paxk and broad-based community support for the proiect as important factors in onecorm party's recent decision to make a $10 mil- lion investment in the county with a new plant that will create an estimated lobs. Easy Walker Parka/so gives thearea a viable location for baseball, tennis and soccer tournaments. In addition to the obvious benefice to retailers, increased restaurant traffic helps increase for community recreation, The $1 ~4 million cost o[ Phase ! is being funded entirely by a 2 percent on non-grocery retail food sales. Since the city council approved the tax a year ago, more than $210.000 has be~m raised. Once the debt [or Phase I has been paid, revenues from the tax will be used to fund more park and recreation pmiects. Phase fl o[ the project calls ~or corn struction of indoor and outdoor pools, a community center, amphitheater and basketball courts. In the meantime, Mclntyre sa~, the proiect -- along ~t.h th~ community's enthusiasm and pride in it -- has been a great seller in luring new employers to the area. _- Joe Crookham is president o£ Musco £ighring Inc.. 100 lst Avenue West. Oshaloosa. Iowa 5257'7. "The sports lighting choice of the pros" Asheville Tourists Burlington Astros Peoria Chiefs High Desert Mavericks Customized sports lighting sys- tem design, engineering, and in- stallation, using state-of-the-art GE Powr-Spot floodlights and whatever mounting structure suits your needs. Designs addressed for glare control and cost effi- ciency, and are based on current industry standards. "We want you to receive the best options for your dollar." Universal Sports Lighting, Inc. Box 218 · 116 North Kickapoo Lincoln. Illinois 62656 Phone 217-7:32-3200 Fax 21.7-735-4442 Grde 12 on R,'ply Card The Most ComPrehensive Athletic Equipment Catalog Available · Field Maintenance * · Physical Fitness * · Sports Medicine- . Athletic Aids · · Gymnastics · · and Morel · Request your FREE COPY of our Expanded 185 Pg. Full Color Catalog TODAY! FLA§HOUSE Ouafity Products · Exceptional Value Prompt Oeli'very . Fully auaranteec/ 150 No. I~acfluesten Picwy. Suite 93559 Mt. Vernon, NY 1 D550 (800) 221-5185 .:,::,., i¢c~:J~:,E::C =.USiNESS