Community Center Feasibility Study
After a year of ad hoc committee work, a community center feasibility study was presented to the Town Council on August 21. The presentation was conducted by representatives from the Ad Hoc Community Center committee, and architectural consultant UTILE, who supported the committee work. Interest in a community center has been a years-long discussion and expressed by residents in multiple surveys, as recently as last year and as far back as 1978 and 2003. Reasons for interest in a center range from space constraints for school swim teams, expanded child care, recreational activities, public multi-use space, and more. This study was pursued in order to respond to the ongoing interest that the community has brought forward.
The purpose of the feasibility study was 1) research, analysis and programming; 2) community input on programming and site; 3) conceptual layouts and design studies; and 4) cost estimating and forecasting.
After doing research and analysis to set the stage for the feasibility study, the project team moved to a community input phase to identify program needs and the function of the building. They learned that the most requested spaces were a lap pool for the high school swim program, a recreation pool for swim lessons and aquatherapy, gym space, an indoor walking track, and multi-use community meeting rooms. They also heard of a need for another place for students to go after school.
Phase 3 was "Conceptual Layout and Design Studies". They selected the ice rink site on the municipal campus, which is centrally located to schools and neighborhoods, and has nearby parking and land availability. The area is large enough for a building and a portion of the parking needs. It is generally flat, partially developed, and parts are currently underutilized. Critical to this design phase was making a model to illustrate site arrangement; however, these were only conceptual to test the proposal and not a final selection.
With the research completed and potential site established, UTILE developed cost estimates and economic forecasting. The analysis incorporates operating costs (including personnel) and revenues from fees, programs, and rentals. The report breaks down potential membership fees based on age/individual/family and resident status. They formulated a model that would operate at 96% cost recovery (operating costs offset by revenue). The total project cost estimate of the building, equipment, furniture and design services is $82 million (in 2024 dollars).
After hearing the presentation and weighing in, the Town Council chose to hold on moving the project forward until there is a plan in place for a school solution. They planned to have it go to the Finance committee, which is working toward developing a multi-year Capital Facilities prioritization list representing $5M+ investments over the next 20 years. Having a feasibility study for the community center project ensures that the work is ready to move forward when and if the time comes.
About the Community Center project
About the Ad Hoc Community Center Committee
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