ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, January 11, 1996 TAG: 9601110076
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: ELISSA MILENKY STAFF WRITER
Could a large civic center meet the recreational needs of Blacksburg? The recreation advisory board wants to find out.
During Tuesday night's Town Council meeting, Jack Maher, chairman of the recreation board, presented a resolution asking for funding so a consultant could study the matter. The funding, likely $15,000, would come from Blacksburg's capital improvements program. The town's five-year capital improvements program, which funds any major construction or acquisition project, is updated every year. Town Council will vote on the 1997-2001 improvement plan on Jan. 23.
Before the council decides whether to fund a consultant, a member of the recreation board will be asked to speak at an upcoming council work session. Money for a consultant could come from building renovation or other funds in the capital improvement program.
Once hired, the consultant would study Blacksburg's recreational needs and consider whether a proposed senior center should be separate or could be part of a large civic center that would serve the entire community, said Council Member Frances Parsons, also a member of the recreation board.
Maher said indoor athletic facilities at the Blacksburg Recreation Center are filled to capacity, with youth basketball teams playing on half-courts because there is not enough room.
"We decided a consultant would be the best way to go to look at the total picture," Parsons said.
Some council members wanted to wait, though, and see what kinds of recreational facilities would be provided at a new or renovated Blacksburg Middle School. Debate on the issue will continue.
"It really comes down to how much can you fund and at what time," said Town Manager Ron Secrist.
LENGTH: Short : 41 linesby CNB