The city of Grand Junction is one step closer to having a new recreation center, thanks to a recent decision by the city council. The council voted 6-1 to authorize $70 million in bonds for the construction of the facility, which will be located at Lincoln Park.

A Long-Awaited Project

The idea of building a new recreation center in Grand Junction has been in the works for several years, as part of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan (PROS). The plan identified a recreation center as the top priority for the community, based on surveys, focus groups, and meetings.

The current recreation center at Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool is outdated and inadequate for the growing needs of the city. It was built in 1974 and has not been renovated since 1994. It has limited space, equipment, and amenities, and does not meet the standards of accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency.

The new recreation center will be a state-of-the-art facility that will offer a variety of programs and services for people of all ages and abilities. It will feature:

• A 50-meter competition pool with diving boards and a spectator area
• A leisure pool with a lazy river, slides, and a splash pad
• A gymnasium with two full-size basketball courts and a climbing wall
• A fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, a group exercise room, and a spin studio
• A walking and jogging track
• A multipurpose room for events, meetings, and classes
• A childcare area and a teen lounge
• A lobby, a café, and a pro shop

The new recreation center will also be designed to be environmentally friendly, using renewable energy sources, water conservation measures, and natural lighting.

A Major Investment

The funding for the new recreation center comes from two sources: a cannabis tax revenue and a bond issuance. The cannabis tax revenue was approved by the voters in April 2021, and is expected to generate about $3 million per year for parks and recreation projects. The bond issuance was authorized by the city council on January 8, 2024, and will be repaid over 20 years with a property tax increase of about $5 per month for the average homeowner.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $70 million, which includes the design, construction, land acquisition, and contingency. The city has hired Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture, partnered with Chamberlin Architecture, as the architect and engineer for the project. The city has also formed a Community Recreation Center Advisory Committee, composed of representatives from various stakeholder groups, to provide input and feedback on the design and operation of the facility.

The city plans to break ground on the new recreation center in late 2024, and expects to complete the project by mid-2026. The city hopes that the new recreation center will be a source of pride and joy for the community, and will enhance the quality of life, health, and well-being of the residents and visitors of Grand Junction.