City Still Seeking Ideas For Rec Center Master Plan
Decatur Metro | January 8, 2009 | 9:36 amDan Magee writes to all the Decatur blogs, asking us to help spread the word that the city is still seeking imput into the Decatur Recreation Center Master Plan. Around 50 people attended the first meeting back in mid-December (a detailed report of that meeting – complete with pics – can be found on the city’s website), but the city still wants to give those that couldn’t attend a chance to chime in.
Here are the details, as relayed by Dan…
The City of Decatur is developing a master plan to direct future improvements to the city’s 50 year old recreation center. We invite you to think creatively and submit your ideas to the questions listed below. Forward your answers to [email protected] or [email protected] or mail to Lyn Menne, City of Decatur, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031.
Please feel free to spread the word to other city residents. Also, we want to hear from city residents of all ages, so feel free to ask your teen or pre-teen to complete a survey.
After the jump – questions the city is looking to have answered…
What Should Our Community/Recreation Center Provide?
1. What community programs are needed?
2. What kind of visual and/or performing arts programs would you like to see?
3. What exercise or athletic programs do we want?
4. What new active adult/senior oriented activities should be provided?
5. What activities or facilities for young professionals are of interest?
6. What activities or facilities for children and youth should be provided?
7. What should the Center provide in 15 years?
8. What other ideas or suggestions would you like to add?
Wonder what ever happened to the Active Living citizens commission? Seems like this would be a good project for them to pursue.
The Active Living commission is alive and well. The forum and solicitation of public input is to get as many people involved as possible. Make your voice heard !
Here’s my idea – sell or lease the property to help make up the budget shortfalls we will have the next few years.
The City Commission focused on interviewing and appointing members of the Environmental Sustainability Board late last year and will take up the appointment of the Active Living Board next. We received a number of good applications and look forward to working with this board to shape future programs for the Active Living Division. While the Active Living Board will play a role in any future redevelopment of the Recreation Center, input from a broad range of residents is still important and we hope folks will take advantage of this opportunity to give us your ideas. The Decatur Recreation has been an important community asset for the City of Decatur for over 50 years providing a wide variety of recreational opportunities and serving as a community gathering spot for a wide range of citizens. We want to make certain that it continues in this capacity for many years to come.
1. Indoor Soccer Facility
2. Raquetball Courts
Volleyball… there is no convenient volleyball league for middle/high school girls… and even the inconvenient ones are in the range of $1900-$3000 (that is not a typo) per season. This rules out volleyball for everyone but the wealthy. Renfroe and DHS are starting to take volleyball seriously, so the Rec should look to support that for ALL kids by offering a lower cost league that doesn’t require travel all over the country.
Thank you for the volleyball suggestion. We’ve been exploring our options regarding volleyball. It’s a great sport for all ages.
Has a youth football program ever been considered? I’ve got a first grader built like a linebacker who is dying to play football. As far as I can tell, the closest youth football program is in Tucker. I’d love to have him playing closer to home. The kids who play football for Renfroe/DHS – where do they start playing football?
During the winter months, how about a weekly toddler/preschooler play time in the gym? with toys and things to climb on, etc… for those days when it’s too cold and wet to go play outside.
I’d be happy to help with that (meaning volleyball) Dan. I am not well connected in volleyball circles.. but if you need “unskilled labor” I’m happy to help. I will pop in… but of course… that will blow my cover. OK, I will send one of my minions to pop in on my behalf.
I can be contacted directly for suggestions, comments, new ideas, etc. at: [email protected] or 678-553-6541. Thanks much!