More tennis courts on wish-list in Breckenridge

BRECKENRIDGE — Residents shared desire for more tennis courts and other amenities at a forum regarding renovation of the Breckenridge Recreation Center on Monday evening.

“The participation numbers for this facility are just astronomical,” recreation center director Lynn Zwaagstra said. “There are many, many, many times when (the center is) completely packed. And we can’t put more people into this facility — so we’re here with a need for additional space.”

The forum was the first of three aimed to identify how the public would like the facilities and services improved. GreenPlay, LLC, a consulting firm, organized the forum to allow for input through discussion, surveys and hands-on exercises. About 13 residents attended Monday.

Zwaagstra said as the meeting began that the center has been working to repair and improve the facilities following the findings of consultants hired about a year and a half ago. Part of the improvements include a programming study to find who uses the center and how they participate.

“And that led us down the road to taking a look at how do we add to the recreation center to meet the needs of our community into the future. As you know, we are actually a growing community, especially with the affordable housing projects that are due on line here in the next couple years,” she said.

Karon Badalamenti, a certified park and recreation professional from GreenPlay, discussed with attendees some of the trends in recreation facilities nationwide. She said environment-friendly designs, themed decors and synthetic turf are among a number of popular improvements such centers are implementing.

After explaining the options available, she opened the floor to suggestions. The most support was expressed in favor of additional tennis courts. Folks also shared interest in increased dance and cooking classes, an outdoor pool, and a softball four-plex with lighted bathrooms and concessions.

Near the end, the issue of financing was addressed. Badalamenti said property tax increases would be a likely method for implementation. Attendees shared that other entities will be asking voters for mill-levy increases this fall and that the recreation center might not have the best chances.

Some said the cost of living in Breckenridge is high enough that, when coupled with an uncertain national economy, additional expenses of any kind would be challenging.

Other financial options discussed included naming rights for corporations and membership rate adjustments.

The next two forums are to be conducted with the same format. These will be June 11 at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Participants are asked to RSVP at (970) 453-1734.

<i>Robert Allen may be contacted at rallen@summitdaily.com</i>