Fruita Recreation Center --- Architectural Concept

Fruita Community Recreation Center - Feasibility Study Nearing Completion

INFORMATION REGARDING
REFERRED ISSUE A

Below is information regarding a question on the April 1, 2008, Fruita Municipal Election. A mail out ballot will have voters decide whether or not to increase sales and use tax and authorize the issuance of debt in order construct and operate a community recreation center in the City of Fruita. The complete feasibility study and business plan is available for review at the Fruita Recreation Department.

Referred Issue A is a proposal to build a community recreation center.

- A yes vote will increase the city sales and use tax from 2% to 3% and authorize the necessary debt to construct the facility. For comparison, the City of Grand Junction’s sales tax is currently 2.75%. Once the debt is paid, 60% of the 1% increase will sunset. 40% will continue for ongoing operations and maintenance.

- A no vote will reject a sales and use tax increase and not approve the city to assume debt to build a community recreation center.

The building site identified for the Fruita community recreation center is adjacent to the current outdoor pool, located at 273 N. Cherry. This building site will also be shared with the new hospital that Family Health West will be constructing.

Estimated daily admission rates to the community recreation center in 2010 (potential opening date) would be:
- Child (3-9 years old) - $3.50

- Youth (10 – 17 years old) - $4.50

- Adult (18+ years old) - $6.75

Estimated Construction cost for the community recreation center is $11.99 million

Projected Operating Budget:     Low              High
  Expenditures                           $767,449      $837,271
  Revenues                                $514,650      $514,650
  Operating Deficit                     $252,799      $322,621
  Cost Recovery                        67%              61%

Mesa County Libraries will be partnering with the City of Fruita to move and expand their library site to the Fruita community recreation center. Mesa County Libraries would fund all the construction and operations of the library at the community recreation center. Library space would add 8,000 – 10,000 additional square feet.

If Referred Issue A is passed by the Fruita community on April 1, the estimated opening date for the community recreation center would be late 2009 or early 2010. The design process is estimated to be 8-10 months and construction would take another 10-12 months.

The following are arguments for and against Referred Issue A:
- For Issue A: The community recreation center fulfills the recreational needs of youth, adults, and seniors by offering wellness and social spaces. Admission fees are economical to encourage a healthy life style to as many people as possible.
- Against Referred Issue A: Private health clubs believe a community recreation center will unfairly compete against their business. Sales and use tax would increase from 2% to 3%. Grand Junction sales tax is currently 2.75%.

The Fruita community recreation center (46,918 square feet), includes:
- Combination leisure / lap pool
- Senior areas and spaces
- Multipurpose meeting rooms
- Catering kitchen
- Group exercise room
- Gymnasium
- Elevated running track
- Child sitting room
- Wellness / fitness space
- Locker rooms
- Lobby and office spaces

Cobb and Associates, Inc.