City Council approves funding for the long-awaited project
The Grand Junction City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to issue $82 million in bonds to finance the construction of a new community recreation center (CRC) at Matchett Park. The project, which has been in the works for several years, is expected to provide a variety of amenities and services for the residents of Grand Junction and the surrounding areas.
The funding for the $82 million project encompasses $68 million in bonds with more than $6 million in additional costs. The project is set to receive a $1 million grant from the Department of Local Affairs, $2.5 million in dedicated tax revenues, and $4 million in partner contributions. The bonds will be repaid over 20 years with a 0.39% sales tax increase that was approved by the voters in April 2022.
The CRC will be built on a 22-acre site at Matchett Park, located at 28 1/4 and Patterson Roads. The facility will span approximately 100,000 square feet and will include a variety of features, such as:
- An indoor aquatic center with a lap pool, a leisure pool, a lazy river, a slide, and a splash pad
- A gymnasium with two full-size basketball courts and a multi-purpose court
- A fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, a group exercise room, and a spin studio
- A walking and jogging track
- A climbing wall
- A community room with a kitchen and a fireplace
- A childcare area
- A teen center
- A senior center
- An outdoor plaza with a playground, a picnic area, and a pavilion
Community input shapes the design and vision of the CRC
The CRC project is the result of extensive community engagement and feedback that began with the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan (PROS) in 2021. The PROS identified a CRC as the top priority for the city’s parks and recreation needs. Since then, the city has conducted several surveys, focus groups, and public workshops to gather input from the residents and stakeholders on the location, funding, and building program of the CRC.
The city hired Barker Rinker Seacat (BRS), partnered with Chamberlin Architecture, as the architect and engineer for the project. BRS presented the preliminary design and layout of the CRC at a public forum in September 2023. The design incorporates the feedback and suggestions from the community, as well as the best practices and trends in the recreation industry. BRS will continue to refine the design and prepare the construction documents for the project.
The city also formed a subcommittee of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) to guide the planning process for the CRC. The PRAB subcommittee consists of nine volunteers who are appointed by the City Council to advise on matters related to parks and recreation. The subcommittee members have been involved in every stage of the CRC planning, from site selection to funding sources to facility components.
CRC expected to bring multiple benefits to the community
The CRC project is seen as a major investment in the quality of life and well-being of the Grand Junction community. The CRC will offer a wide range of recreational, social, and educational opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The CRC will also serve as a hub for community events, programs, and partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
The CRC project is also expected to have a positive economic impact on the city and the region. The project will create jobs during the construction phase and the operation phase. The project will also generate revenue from user fees, memberships, rentals, and sponsorships. The project will also attract visitors and tourists to the area, boosting the local economy and tax base.
The city plans to break ground on the CRC project in late 2024 and complete the construction by mid-2026. The city hopes that the CRC will be a source of pride and joy for the residents of Grand Junction and a model for other communities in the state and the nation.
Category: Local News
Meta Description: Grand Junction City Council approves $82 million in bonds for the construction of a new community recreation center at Matchett Park, expected to open in 2026.
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