Metro Parks Tacoma, Tacoma Public Schools, and a local chapter of the Boys & Girls Club are collaborating on an $80 million community center campus that would be a major recreational hub for Tacoma residents, according to Metro Parks officials.
When completed in late-2010, the center would offer two major services: an indoor community center with a fitness studio, community hall and stage, multi-purpose rooms, and space for staff and support services; and outdoor facilities with a skate park, biking and walking trails, climbing wall, and multi-sport athletic fields.
According to Shon Sylvia, director of recreation and community services for Metro Parks, approximately $10.5 million has been secured for the $17 million LEED-Silver indoor community center, and approximately $1.5 million for the outdoor park facilities.
The Boys & Girls Club is expected to spend $10 million for its facility on the campus. Tacoma Public Schools is spending $45 million on Gray Middle School, which will also be a part of the campus.
Sylvia and Metro Parks commissioner Victoria Woodard briefed Tacoma City Council’s neighborhoods and housing committee on the plan Dec. 1.
“We’re really talking about an entire complex for the South Sound,” raved Woodard. The campus footprint stretches from South 58th Street and South 66th Street (north / south), and South Tyler Street and South Adams Street (east / west). “It’s really going to be a regional opportunity for Tacoma.”
The plan dates back to 2004, when Metro Parks applied for a Kroc Community Center grant. Though the agency wasn’t awarded the grant, the community center idea lived on. In 2005, Tacoma voters approved an $84.3 million bond measure that directed approximately $10 million toward the plan.
Currently, fund-raising is still under way.
Sylvia said Metro Parks issued a Request for Proposals from other businesses interested in leasing space on the campus in an effort to defer costs for construction and operation. At this point, seven business — including coffee shops and cafes — have expressed interests in being part of the campus. He also said Metro Parks has asked for $3.8 million from Washington State, and $2 million from the City of Tacoma for the indoor community center.
Between now and April, Metro Parks expects to plan programming for the center, continue to identify partnerships with other public and private organizations, develop its business plan, and finalize the overall plan. Construction is expected to begin in late-2009 and be completed a year later.
