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Rec Center Proposed in Burlington

Burlington's bike path and parks provide opportunities for its residents that not all city's can offer.

But when it's cold, many of those opportunities simply go away.

"There's a lot to do in Burlington, we've got a great park system, but the winters are long, we've got 7 months of bad weather typically," Mayor Peter Clavelle says. "We need to create more opportunities, young people particularly, but all ages, to go indoors, to recreate, to have a basketball game, a place where families can get together for physical exercise."

Now those opportunities are on the drawing table. City officials are looking into a new recreation center for residents. The new gymnasiums, and a possible indoor pool would be located at existing facilities in the city.

Clavelle says the project could involve the renovation of Memorial Auditorium as a venue for cultural events, and as a recreation center. Part of the plan could also include the expansion of Leddy and adding a gymnasium, and possible pool to the ice skating arena

While most people agree that more indoor recreational space would be a good thing for Burlington, the biggest question still unanswered is how to pay for the estimated $7-million dollar project.

"You know, we really need to look at providing more opportunities for our young people, we really do," Republican City Councilor Kevin Curley says. "I like a rec center proposal, but it definitely needs to be public, private partnership. The people in the city of Burlington are not going to be able to afford big tax increases in the future."

But Clavelle says no one knows who will be paying for the rec center in the long run.

"We're not asking folks to make any financial commitment now," Clavelle says. "I think we need to reach agreement on location and program elements, then we'll go out and do the money search, we'll look for federal, state, foundation sources, as well as individual contributions."

City officials will ask residents what they think shortly after Christmas. If planning goes perfectly, the rec center could be up and running within the next two to four years.

Mark Bosma - Channel 3 News