Rec center to be built

SANDUSKY — By a narrow margin, Sandusky voters on Tuesday approved a measure to build a recreation center in Sandusky. With 50.2% of the total vote, residents sided with a proposal laid out by city officials, according to unofficial results. "The passage of this levy means that Sandusky is finally done talking about a recreation center and is willing to support one," city ex officio mayor Dick Brady said. "Thanks to our residents, we have the funds to build it, and now we have the funds to manage it." For years, locals have asked — in the form of begging, pleading and demanding — those in powerful positions across Sandusky to create a safe haven where people, especially youth, can visit to play sports, exercise and gather. Throughout this year, based on community feedback provided through a survey, officials devised what they consider a great game plan to build a rec center in the most efficient, realistic and transparent way possible. "This levy provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity," Brady said. "It has taken Sandusky more than 50 years to find a way to deliver a recreation center for all of our residents to enjoy," he added. "I am putting my trust in our voters to see the value in having a recreation center in our city. A 'yes' vote on Issue 14 is a vote that will benefit our entire community." The details The rec center will be located on Hayes Avenue (Ohio 4) at the Rockwell Street intersection. It's near the Hayes Avenue underpass. And the former American Crayon factory once stood at this site. The city conducted a study of multiple sites across Sandusky, evaluating each one on a wide range of criteria. Officials determined this site would best benefit residents. The city developed a conceptual plan for what would be included in the rec center, however, it is still in a conceptual phase. A final design will come in 2024. Sandusky city commissioners indicated that approval of a levy is absolutely necessary to proceed with a rec center project. Among the reasons: An operating levy ensures there's a sustainable funding source in place to operate a rec center. Funds derived from the levy will help fund: • Maintenance of the building • The ability to provide up-to-date equipment and amenities • Staffing for the facility Additionally, it will allow the city to keep membership and program rates affordable for residents. The levy would go into effect in January. The money On this 1.26-mill levy, the owner of a $100,000 home will pay $44 per year based on its passage. This should generate about $672,000 per year. While a new tax, officials pointed to Sandusky Library's bond issue maturing, thus falling off the tax roll, by year's end. About 20 years ago, this bond paid for a $10 million expansion project, connecting Erie County's former jail to the existing library space on West Adams Street. A grand opening for it occurred in 2004. Beyond 2023, Sandusky residents will still pay the library's other levy for operational purposes. But, effectively, Sandusky's proposed recreation center levy would substitute for the library's expiring bond issue. The same $100,000 homeowner pays $38 a year on the library levy. Effectively, for this person, approving the rec center levy means paying about $6 more per year. This levy will help offset the operating costs of the facility while keeping membership rates more affordable for residents. For construction aspects, officials have committed resources from the admissions tax increase as part of the 2021 agreement with Cedar Fair. This includes $700,000 per year in admissions tax revenue over a 20-year period. The admissions tax boils down to the amount someone entering Cedar Point or another Sandusky-based, for-profit venue spends on a ticket. Sales from Cedar Point, however, contribute roughly 99% of Sandusky's admissions tax account, which produces about $8 million annually today. Additionally, the city is working to identify additional funding sources such as opportunities for naming rights and donations from philanthropic foundations and other organizations. Overall, the rec center represents a $14 million investment. The amenities Membership will give residents access to the facility, which is planned to be about 36,000 square feet in size, and include gymnasiums, group exercise rooms, activity rooms, fitness equipment and an indoor walking/running track. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in various programs such as senior programs, youth programs, youth and adult sports, art programs, walking/running clubs and more. More specifically, some potential and realistic options include: • Sports — soccer, football, baseball, basketball, pickleball and volleyball • Activities — programs for seniors, youth, arts and cultural along with educational • Group exercise and wellness amenities — yoga, dance, martial arts, Zumba, spinning, aerobics, kickboxing, pilates and cardio/strength training • Outdoor activities — a possible water feature and the potential future addition of tennis courts While actual rates haven't been publicized yet, officials vowed to keep them affordable, and they will be comparable to similar facilities throughout the region. There won't be a pool at the rec center, but one is being built at a nearby site. Sandusky Schools in collaboration with the city government will provide community-based activities and programs in the new Sandusky Aquatic Center, which is expected to open in December 2024. If the levy failed, city commissioners conveyed that the city wouldn't have built one. Now the city will work to finalize its design of the facility with the programs and services that the facility will offer. Additionally, the city will begin working to create partnerships with insurance companies to offer programs that provide memberships for seniors at little or no cost. Sandusky rec center issue • For: 3,197 • Against: 3,162 Note: According to unofficial results Source: Erie County board of elections