AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. – A new recreation center could soon be coming to Airway Heights officials said Thursday, but only if they get enough votes on the August 2 ballot.
With the growth of the city, the center is much needed according to city officials. If the initiative gets two-thirds of the vote, they could be looking at some much needed recreational space.
The rec center they have right now is decent, but believe it or not, it is the only public rec center in all of Airway Heights.
Parks and Recreation Director J.C. Kennedy said a new rec center would feature a weight room, basketball gym, and aquatic center.
In a 2014 survey, the new rec center project earned an 88 percent approval from those who somewhat or strongly supported it. The growth of the city had a lot to do with the need, Kennedy said.
“Growth is coming to the west plains and its coming in a hurry,” he said. “So this is a feather in the cap. We believe that helping Airway Heights attract more small businesses in the community and continuing a balanced growth.”
With a new project of course, comes the question of costs. Kennedy said there will be a property tax for home owners and it all depends on how much your home is worth.
For example, a home valued at $125,000 would mean the homeowner has to pay an extra $14.52 a month.
Despite the tax increase, it still got strong support from the community – especially the ones who would frequent the center.
At the current rec center, schedules overlapping make it hard to share the space for different programs. Organizers said a new rec center cannot come soon enough.
The City’s Parks and Rec department does have a partnership with schools to use their gyms and fields, but with so many more people moving in to the city, rec leagues get bigger while facilities seem to shrink.