Daoud, Jean, Dbq Health & Fitness presentation
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
c/o City Clerk
City Hall
Dubuque, IA
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
The Dubuque Health and Fitness representatives request a few minutes for an
informational presentation at the June 20 council meeting.
Thank you,
~D:uz~
~ean Daoud, President
563-556-5381
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Dubuque Health & Fitness, Inc.
imagine what we can build together
Jean Daoud, President
563 556-5381
daoudnet@aol.com
Davin Curtiss, Vice-President
563 557-8400
dcurtiss@octhomaslaw.com
Lynn McCullough, Treasurer
563582-1358
Imccu16722@aol.com
Mary Coan, Secrerary
563557-9747
mary.coan@c1arke.edu
DUBUQUE HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.
The mission of Dubuque Health and Fitness, Inc. is to
become the premier provider of integrated fitness services
for the Dubuque community. We are committed to providing
comprehensive, distinctive and quality education and
fitness services to enhance the quality of life of people
of all ages. This 76,000 sq. ft. indoor center will provide
everyone the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential
in health, fitness, and well being, through the use of
state of the art equipment and programs.
We are committed to continually provide the highest
standards of quality, as defined by our customers, through
services, programs, and community relations.
The proposed building design is distinctive, beautiful, and
would blend naturally with its surroundings. To increase
value and longevity of the center, it would be designed for
function and financial success with timeless style and
architectural harmony. Additionally, it would be carefully
crafted to accommodate future growth, expansion, and
upgrades.
We have judiciously considered location. The two easily
accessible properties being considered for this project are
located near the recreation-deprived west end of Dubuque;
each property is comprised of 8 to 12 wooded acres. Either
acreage would potentially connect with the city's
established trail system. A landscaped park would be
created to form a buffer for neighboring residences.
906 Farrell Court, Dubuque, IA 52001
.
Features
The center would encompass these features:
Aquatic Center - featuring a lap/recreation pool,
therapy pool, and sauna
Aerobics Studio - featuring step, slide, spinning,
hi/lo impact, toning, mind-body, tai chi, Pilates,
martial arts, and mature adult classes
Men's and Women's Locker/Shower Rooms
Basketball/Volleyball/Racquetball Courts
Indoor Track
Exercise Area - featuring treadmills, elliptical cross-
trainers, stair/step machines, bikes, rowers,
resistance equipment, and free weights
Senior Center - featuring movable walls for classrooms,
card playing, jewelry making, socializing, meetings,
etc.
Child Enrichment Area - with a cheerful, stimulating
environment to encourage activity. Possibilities range
from child-size exercise equipment to an indoor
playground with a five-level tree house.
Personalized Fitness Consultation - featuring program
development and orientation with fitness professionals
OUtdoor Element Possibilities
· Basketball, volleyball, tennis
· Trails that connect to the established city trail
system, for running, walking, rollerblading, and
cross-country skiing
· Pavilion, with a fireplace, surrounded by a lawn
and a colorful landscape, to be used throughout
the year for reunions, company picnics, and
special events
· Playground equipment
Income would be generated through membership and
programming fees. Coordinating, creating, and marketing our
programs to the community will create demand for the
center, which will heighten potential for success.
Additional income could be derived from area hospitals'
wellness and rehabilitation programs. Corporate wellness
programs with local businesses could also add income as
well as provide benefits to their employees.
Proposed Funding:
Bond issue
Vision Iowa CAT funds
Federal/state money
Local philanthropists
Dubuque Racing Association grants
Foundations
Corporate donations
We are currently in the process of securing Growth Design
Co~oration to prepare a feasibility study. This company
has headed campaigns for numerous local enterprises,
including:
The Boys and Girls Club of Dubuque - $4.2 million
campaign
Finley Hospital - multiple campaigns
Grandview Avenue United Methodist Church - $1.8 million
campaign
Wartburg Theological Seminary - $21 million campaign
Zoological Society of Milwaukee County - $30 million
campaign
The feasibility study would determine:
the interest by potential users and user groups for the
center in Dubuque
an appropriate fee structure and value to create a
sustainable enterprise
Once it is determined that there is sufficient interest and
demand for the center, then Growth Design Corporation will
ascertain what individuals, families, organizations, and
corporations would be willing to pay. From this, they will
determine the financial viability for the center.
The cost of this study is $21,275.
Summary
Our city has experienced tremendous growth within the last
decade. We proudly showcase The Riverfront Museum and
Aquarium, Grand Harbor Hotel, Grand River Convention Center
and River Walk area. We believe the health, fitness, and
recreation center we are proposing is not just an
additional enhancement for the City of Dubuque, but rather
a necessity. Current facilities are not adequate to meet
the growing needs of the community. Providing and promoting
a leading-edge fitness center is paramount to maintaining
and improving our quality of life.
For the first time in our history, the average lifespan is
expected to decrease because of complications associated
with obesity. Escalating health care costs and insurance
rates, loss of productivity in the workplace, and the
decline of the overall well-being of all age groups warrant
a health, fitness, and recreation center to serve the
immediate needs of the Dubuque community. Simultaneously, a
center such as we envision speaks to businesses and/or
individuals considering relocation to Dubuque. It shows
that we value our population's health and wellness.
Dubuque Health and Fitness Inc., a non-profit corporation
has widespread representation and support for this project.
It includes Mayor Terry Duggan, city council members, Mercy
and Finley Hospitals, physicians, Dubuque Community
Schools, business leaders, citizens of Dubuque, and the
following Dubuque Health & Fitness project team: Jean
Daoud, Inner Strength; Lynn McCullough, McCullough Creative
Group; Davin Curtiss, O'Connor and Thomas Law Firm; Mary
Coan, Clarke College; Dr. Kris Hall, Dubuque Community
School; Sue Chapman, Finley Hospital; Barb Horsfall, Finley
Hospital; Al Grivetti, Clarke College, Christine Conlon,
Pure Prana; Doug Colin, DASH; Janet Warren, McGladrey and
Pullen; Brenda Meyer, private citizen; Cathie Kloft,
Bristol Myers Squibb; Winnie Thompson, Connie Bandy-Hodge,
Rod Tokheim, Brian Meeter, Loras College, Pete Schilling,
YM/YW Board Member, Deb Siegworth, YM/YW Board Member.
We ask that you join in our vision.
imagine what we can bui~d together
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Press release.
Imagine what we can build together.
Dubuque Health and Fitness, Inc. (DHAF) is a group of enthusiastic citizens committed
to expanding the health and recreation opportunities in our community. The mission of
DHAF is to enhance quality of life through fitness, health, and recreational activities. The
proposed west end 76,OOO-sq.-ft. indoor center is distinctive and will blend naturally on a
site landscaped for outdoor fitness opportunities. The professionally trained staff will be
committed to providing the highest quality of services and allowing everyone the
opportunity to achieve their maximum potential in health, fitness, and well-being.
This recreation center will be developed as a cooperative community effort with the
following proposed features:
. Aquatic center with Olympic-size, therapy, and family recreation pools
. Fitness center with indoor track, exercise studios, and weight room
. Senior center
. Child enrichment center
. Sports courts
· Outdoor activities including trails for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing; and
basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts
Currently, DHAF is in the process of securing Growth Design Corporation to prepare a
feasibility study to determine whether there is sufficient community support for such a
facility. If it is determined that there is sufficient interest and demand for the center, then
Growth Design Corporation will ascertain what individuals, families, organizations, and
corporations would be willing to pay to utilize the facility. From this, they will determine
the financial viability for the center. Growth Design Corporation has headed campaigns
for numerous local enterprises including:
. The Boys & Girls Club of Dubuque - $4.2-million campaign
. Finley Hospital- multiple campaigns
. Grandview Avenue United Methodist Church - $l.8-million campaign
. Wartburg Theological Seminary - $2l-million campaign
Initial advocates for this project include:
Mayor Terry Duggan, city council members, Mercy and Finley Hospitals, physicians,
Dubuque Community Schools, business leaders, citizens of Dubuque, and the following
DHAF project team: Jean Daoud, Inner Strength; Lynn McCullough, McCullough
Creative Group, Inc.; Davin Curtiss, 0 'Connor & Thomas Law Firm; Mary Coan, Clarke
College; Dr. Kris Hall, Dubuque Community Schools; Sue Chapman, Finley Hospital;
Barb Horsfall, Finley Hospital; Al Grivetti, Clarke College; Christine Conlon, Pure
Prana; Doug Colin, DASH; Janet Warren, McGladrey & Pullen; Brenda Meyer, private
citizen; Cathie Kloft, Bristol Myers Squibb; Winnie Thompson, Connie Bandy-Hodge,
Rod Tokheim, and Brian Meeter, Loras College; Pete Schilling, YWYW Board Member;
Deb Siegworth, YWYW Board Member; and Connie Wolfe, Tri-State IP A.
We welcome your participation in working with us on this project. Please contact us at
dhaf@dubuque365.com or visit our website, www.dubuque365.com and type in keyword
Fitness.
..
Dubuque Health and Fitness, Inc.
Fact Sheet
June 20, 2005
. Dubuque is one of a few communities in Iowa with a population over 5,000 that does
not have a community recreation center
. Iowa ranks number 9, of the ten worst states, while Wisconsin and Illinois rank in the
top 10 best states, for raising a fit child. (June 2005 IDEA Fitness Journal)
. Childhood obesity has increased at least 50% since 1976 and 50% of overweight
children/teens remain overweight as adults. (Iowa Department of Public Health).
. "Our collective change in behavior over the past generation has had huge
consequences for our children. Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood
pressure, diseases once associated with aging, are now increasingly common in
elementary school children." (USA Weekend, January 14,2005)
. " We wait until people get sick, and then we spend top dollar to make them healthy
again. My top priority can be summed up in one word: PREVENTION." (Richard
Carmona, US Surgeon General)
. The obesity epidemic will cause life expectancy to dramatically decrease for the first
time in centuries if American don't make major changes in their lifestyles, a new
study asserts." (The Orlando Sentinel, reprinted by the TH, March 2005)
. Exercise is effective in preventing and treating both mild to moderate depression and
anxiety. (Dr. Andrew McCulloch, CEO Mental Health Foundation, December 2004 news release)
. A recent study from the University of Michigan shows a strong link between activity
and lifespan. It indicates that a majority of premature natural deaths could be
prevented by physical activity. Minimal activity reduces early, natural death by 35%.
. Senator Tom Harkin announced funding for Harkin Wellness Grants to promote
healthier lifestyles in face of the national "supersized" health crisis.
. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, people need 30 minutes
of physical activity on most days to ward off chronic disease.
. Texas Health Resources officials say that employees have saved money on benefits
through their exercise credit program designed to promote healthy living and help
manage chronic conditions. The 2005 exercise benefit program will save workers
more than $230,000 this year.
. The Center for Disease Control sites Fieldale Farms in Baldwin, Georgia, as an|example of what a business can do to improve employee health. Since launching a
wellness program in 1992, Fieldale Farms health insurance costs have risen only
2.5% compared with the 12% national average increase.
NikeGO : The Facts
.
l'age 1 or 1
1. One in three U.S. children born in 2000 will contract Type II diabetes unless
their lifestyles emphasize eating less and exercising more. The odds are one in..fwo
for African American and Hispanic children. (Center for Disease Control and Prevent
National Center for Health Statistics)
2. Kids today spend an average of 5-1/2 hours a day in front of a TV or compute,
("Kaiser Family Foundation, 1999) '~Jd '''''''''NI'
3. Daily attendance in P.E. dropped from 42% to 25% among high school studel\tS
between 1991 and 1995. (U.S.Depar:ment of Health and Human Services, 1996)
''I!~d 'sul'fPDlKY
4. One in four children does not attend any school P.E., and fewer than one in foLtr
children get 20 minutes of vigorous activity every day. (Natlonai ASSOCiation for Sr
&: Physical Educat{on)re'.u1$llm'liE)"
5. Girls who play sports have higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of
depression. (The ,'O;'esldent's Council 0" Physical Fitness dnd SfJOrts, 1997) '~Jd'''''''n:''''
6. Teenage female athletes are less than half as likely to get pregnant. (Women'~
Sports Foundation Report: Sports and Teen Pregnancy ,IVomens SDorls Founoaficn. ReD
SOD(ts and Teen Pregnatl'::YI 1998) ~..U~Sf..I~~,!,.'
7. Only one state - Illinois - has a mandatory daily requirement for physical
education for grades K through 12. (Nationai Association for Sport & Physicai Eciucat,
n.,l(....}ft"lj.....j.-
8. Kids born today are expected to have a shorter life expectancy than their
parents due to inactivity and diet. ('~" --,~ w_ -", Feb 3, 2002: v2, #5) '".1':' <..'C'I;.",
Nike provides these references for informational purposes only. Inclusion of the referenced
studies or organizations does not necessarily mean there is an affiliation, endorsement, or oth
connection between Nike and any of the referenced studies or organizations.
@ 2005 NIKE. All Rights Reserved
For more information about Nike. please visit
http://www.nike.com/nikebizlnikego/go.jhtml?page=thefacts
6/20/2005
Recreation Centers of the 21st Century
rage 1 Ul ~
,
Home Search Browse About lPO Staff Links
Bartlett Community Center
n November of 2000, the Bartlett Park District dedicated a 130,000-square-foot community
center for its residents in which unsurpassed durability is integrated with functionality and
e. This multi-level, multi-generational recreation center is built in a welcoming neo-prairie
type of architecture that harmonizes with the surrounding topography and pristine community
http://www.lib.niu.edulipo/ipOl0122.html
6/19/2005
Recreation Centers of the 21 st Century
Page 2 01'9
enviroment. Featuring a central rotunda and radiating programming wings, the openness and
circulation patterns give users comfortable internal gathering opportunities without
sacrificing effective building operations. Planned activity space on the first floor includes a
secure preschool wing with six classrooms and outside play area, separate leisure pools, party
room, a six-lane competition lap pool, triple court gymnasium, raquetball courts, large senior
activity room, multi- use 220-capacity banquet hall with mini theater, arts and crafts, dance
and aerobics, and locker rooms. The lofty second floor features a three- lane running track
open to the gym, a large health and fitness club, physical, therapy, fitness studio, office space,
and locker rooms.
or; J. Miller
22 1 Illinois Parks and Recreation
SPECIAL FOCUS
Recreation Centers of
the 21st Century
More like a "town center," today's recreation centers are
community-driven in planning, design and use
BY LORI J. MILLER
"Give us more, do it better, and do it now" are words that most recreation service providers
have heard in recent times. Yes, Americans are living longer, working longer hours, and
demanding more quality and opportunities in their recreation and leisure experiences.
Programming innovations, indoor activity pools, technology integration, and collaborative
financing are just a few ways that recreation centers have evolved in the last decade.
In response to these consumer-driven demands, the design of these facilities has changed
dramatically as well. Boxed buildings with walled-off rooms give way to new facilities with
architecture that is spatially exciting. Hallways are now "exploded" and gone are maze-like
corridors, so people have greater visual experiences and interaction with their environment.
No longer labeled "blue hairs," senior citizens, along with the young professionals, are driving
the demand of high-quality design and programming to enhance their active lifestyles. This era
of good health, good fortune and a quest for the highest quality of leisure time is unprecedented,
and communities are responding.
"Recreational centers are taking on an extremely diverse character where they are not singularly
focused," says Michael T. Williams, principal of the architectural firm Williams Architects in
Wheaton, Ill. 'They're truly leisure, recreational, cultural and family centers now.
"Centers are becoming a representation of the blending and inter-relationships among all of the
age groups, and are also becoming more of a town center than just recreational. It
Take, for example, the Bartlett Community Center. In November of 2000, the Bartlett Park
http://www .lib.niu.edu/ipo/ipO 10122 .html
6/19/2005
Recreation Centers of the 21 st Century
,
Page:; ot \}
District-which serves a young community of 35,000 residents- responded to customer
requests with the grand opening of a state-of-the-art recreation center. The facility features a
central rotunda with radiating programming wings and amenities such as an indoor competition-
sized pool and zero-depth leisure pools, triple court gymnasium, preschool room, banquet hall,
dance and program rooms, and a large fitness center. All these features are typical of a
recreation center located in a community much larger than Bartlett. Yet, taxpayers voted
favorably and, combined with user fees, this crowd-pleaser is successfully funded and already
frequented by many.
In Glenview, park district residents are now benefiting from the former Naval Air Station site
with its state-of-the-art, l65,OOO-square-foot, two-story "community center," which opened with
a New Year's Eve party on December 31, 2000. With emphasis on intergenerational
programming and effective design elements, this two-story center is part of a multi-facility plan
for a l40-acre public park and provides spaces for many community programs.
The city of Elgin will no longer be just known for quality watches, milk and butter, since a
stunning new "Family Recreation Center" is underway in the central downtown core of its
cultural district on the Fox River. Several major spaces will be included, such as a large
gymnasium, natatorium, racquetball
January/February 2001/23
SPECIAL FOCUS
.
More
community
involvement
in planning.
.
Multi-use,
flexible-use
facilities that
can fluctuate
with a
community's
needs and
demographic
make-up.
.
Full-service
courts, health, fitness, and wellness spaces, climbing and
rappelling wall, pro-shop, a cafe, seniors' center, preschool, dance
and aerobics, auxiliary gym, kayak rentals, multi-use spaces, and
administrative offices. This is one of the nation's largest recreation
centers, and it will be used by the general public and increase the
space and ability for community gathering.
"This is an exciting project for Elgin and will provide the city with
the facility that the entire community will be drawn to," says Dave
Lawry, general services manager for the city of Elgin. "This is a
true community center, done for all of them, from seniors down
through teens and preschoolers."
Lawry says that all of the desired programming space was
included, even courts for racquetball-which many believe is
sport that is fading out-and spaces for high-demand teen and
senior programs, which typically have been loss-leaders.
Elgin's experience illustrates the movement toward increased
community involvement in the planning of recreational centers,
where people fmd an issue that's near and dear to them.
In Glenview, the park district began planning its new center in
http://www.lib.niu.edu/ipo/ipO 1 0122.html
6/19/2005
Recreation Centers of the 21 st Century
facilities,
which
provide more
economical
construction
and a family-
oriented
experience.
.
Online
registration,
membership
tracking,
prepaid
service cards,
virtual reality
entertainment
systems and
high-tech
security.
.
Creative
financing:
public/private
partnerships,
alternative
revenue
sources, user-
group fund-
raising and
sponsorships.
Trends Versus Fads
Page 4 of9
1992 when it surveyed residents. The positive reaction was the
catalyst for dozens of meetings with the public, staff and program
participants.
The shift from "fitness" to "wellness" is more than terminology.
It's a lifestyle change underway that stresses the integration of
mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
"People are more concerned with their health and fitness due to a
greater awareness as they are living longer, are more active and
retiring earlier," says Ray Morrill, a 28-year veteran
superintendent of recreation for the Wheaton Park District.
"Seniors no longer want the traditional field trip, luncheon, and
card games. They want activities that challenge them both
mentally and physically. Multiple-use flexibility proves more
functional as customers needs'change."
Programming space originally designed for one purpose is now
designed to accommodate a variety of programs. So, if the senior
club needs more space and arts-and-crafts programs lose their
popularity, a room for the arts program can become the seniors'
space.
And Morrill predicts this concept of multiple-use flexibility will
continue. Wheatons 122,000-square-foot community center, built
in 1990, was designed with 20 percent of its space reserved for
future growth. In fact, the space was used almost immediately for
a children's museum. Wheaton residents take pride in the fact that
their aesthetically and functionally pleasing recreational center and
1,500-bather Rice Pool have become a focal point of the
community. The pool serves as a national model for zero-depth
edge waterpark design.
If form is to follow function, then architects and owners must continue to collaborate on
identifying trends versus merely fads. While trends support and complement important lifestyle
changes, fads are short-term, peak early and do not survive.
Convenience, Flexibility and Added Value
At the 2000 Athletic Business Conference held in November in Orlando, FL, many practical
and relevant sessions focused on topics geared to raise recreation success into the next decade.
Not surprisingly, value-added trends that should continue in the 21st century include healthy
lifestyles, exercising, value pricing, proper nutrition, convenience technology, and stress
reduction. The more adaptable it is, the greater the chance of being a trend.
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Recreation Centers of the 21 st Century
page ::> ot ':J
,
Two key market segments expected to endorse a trend are working women and baby boomers.
With Americans having endless choices to spend limited leisure time, recreation centers must
embrace exceptional and value-added services and staff. These customer-service focused trends
are now based on customers' needs, not the staff or facility needs, and by selling the benefits and
advantages instead of just the features. A plus, documented by Roper Starch Worldwide,
validates that Americans who recreate are substantially
24/ Illinois Parks and Recreation
--~-----------_..._-~._-----_.~,--_._-----'---_.,,_....-_._--"_..._-_._-,....__._.,_.._-_.~_._--,,._--~_._._-~.__._,_._~._+_.-.._~--~--~.._---._---,_.._-
RECREATION CENTERS OF THE 21ST CENTURY
~
Glenview Community Center
edicated on New Year's Eve 2000, the Glenview Community Center is a state-of-the-art
165,000-square-foot, two-story millennium gem located on the formal Naval Air Station as
ort of a 140-acre public "Admiral Gallery" Park. Situated at the end of aformer runway, this
impressive facility is testimony to collaboration among public and private bodies. Glenview's
ood fortune of continued public involvement and its desire for a true community center aided
the district in providing and funding the options contained in the previous center and more, but
on a much larger scale.
Separate multi-roomed preschool and seniors' wings, arts, wellness center, lap and multiuse
ools, triple court gymnasium, mini gym, aerobics, and locker rooms are located on the
spacious and aesthetically pleasing first floor. Stairs to the Splash Landings waterslide lead up
to an image of an airport control tower. The lofty second floor features a running track open to
the gym, a large activity wing, health and fitness center, office space, locker rooms and dance
areas. Visitors are welcomed into the double-height main lobby by a hand-carved brick inlaid
replace that glows with sculptures of various Glenview historical buildings and a large
skylight with art glass.
General obligation and alternate revenue bonds (non-referendum) financed the bulk of
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Recreation Centers of the 21 st Century
Page 6 or9
building this massive project, for which $400,000 from district operations will be required
annually for debt service payments. The Us. Navy's generous long-term lease of ifs former
land to the Village of Glenview and the park district benefits the public good.
n addition, the Senior Club raised and donated $180, 000 towards the 220-capacity banquet
hall, catering kitchen, stage areas and artwork. The Foundation contributed $100,000 more
or artwork, including World War II biplane replicas. Following the successful lead of other
ublic agencies, a partnership was established with Evanston Northwestern Hospital, which
will rent 10, OOO-square-feet for a wellness center. Revenue streams from banquet facility
rentals, multiple programs, and fitness center fees will also contribute to a financially stable
ture for the new Glenview Community Center. ·
- Lori J.
more content with their lives than those who do not, they live longer and feel their recreation
and leisure experiences are important.
Some areas of the recreation center remain designed for specific activities such as locker rooms,
while other areas are being designed to function for multiple purposes. This accommodates the
changing recreational and leisure requirements of the community from year to year.
Larry Kmiecik, chief architect with Williams Associates, says: "Pools must now accommodate
lap swimming, aquatic aerobics, swim lessons for all ages, water polo, scuba, synchronized
swimming, diving, rehabilitation therapy, as well as leisure swim activities,.The trend is to
provide a facility that can fluctuate with a community's needs and demographic make-up."
Birthday parties, meeting rooms, athletics, martial arts, arts and crafts, preschool, dance, fitness,
cooking, music and drama are examples of diverse programming that requires room flexibility.
Kmiecik adds: "In lieu of providing many smaller buildings throughout the community, the
trend has been to provide the full-service facility, which provides for more economical
construction and operational costs with the value-added
January/February 2001 /25
SPECIAL FOCUS
benefit of being truly a family recreational experience,"
Convenience to individuals' schedules and time-saving efficiencies for family activities are
often deciding factors. Parents can now make one trip to one facility and have their children
attend an activity while the parents participate in their own event simultaneously. A supervised
room for temporary childcare is very important to many users so that parents can leave their
children in a clean, safe and fun environment while they enjoy a program or a workout.
Technology
Computer technology advancements have influenced the facility design, allowing architects to
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Recreation Centers of the 21 st Century
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utilize powerful software tools to show clients multiple possibilities with increased
functionality. Three-dimensional rendering creates a significant visual aid, capturing both
interior and exterior design concepts to demonstrate the use and flow of space. Programs saved
in a computer file format that transports and portrays facility animations effortlessly on a laptop
computer at client presentations, minimizing the need to build facility models.
"Clients will be able to take a virtual walk-through in schematic or conceptual design phase to
get a realistic look at their facility early on," explains architect Dave Kafer of Williams
Associates. "We have moved beyond the traditional two-dimensional drawings."
Other technology trends for these facilities include the implementation of online registration,
membership tracking, prepaid services cards, high-tech equipment with interactive capability,
entertainment and virtual reality systems, and Internet delivery of services.
Establishing the voice and data communications infrastructure and integrating the technologies
seamlessly is now a vital component of the facility design. Staff needs the ability to effectively
share information and communicate throughout the modem facility and often with many
locations and customers. Gains in wireless technology and future innovations may lessen the
structured cabling required, and can have owners independent of the traditional "Telco" solution
for material operational cost savings.
Security systems hard-wired from the beginning enable sophisticated and effective methods of
providing patron and facility security at lower costs. For example, Glencoe Park District's Watts
Ice Center development calls for an overall district security and monitoring system from a
central location to eliminate redundant expenses and provide an increased level of patron safety.
Supported computer workstations for identified personnel capable of Internet access, electronic
mail, office automation and recreational software will aid staff in delivering exceptional
customer service.
Creative Financing
Multi-use recreational facilities, land and site costs, furnishings, and operations don't come
cheap. Public facilities traditionally are supported with a combination of tax
26/ Illinois Parks and Recreation
RECREATION CENTERS OF THE 21ST CENTURY
dollars (tax rate increases, revenue, general obligation, or alternate revenue source bonds) and
user fees. These funds are supplemented with grants, donations, and fund-raising.
Frequently, public agencies put a question on the ballot asking for taxpayer support to fund a
large capital project, and then hope that the yes-votes outnumber the no-votes to get the project
approved. However, seniors are providing more support at the voting booths as they have
increased ability to pay and a vested interest.
Owners are finding more creative and yet fiscally responsible methods to successfully fund
these projects and lighten the burden on taxpayers. Partnerships are now common among park
districts and municipalities, school districts, hospitals, and corporations. All parties share the
benefits of collaboration.
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Recreation Centers of the 21 st Century
The private sector proves that
recreation centers can be profitable.
Yet, the private sector still tends to
focus on select portions of customer
needs that translate into a positive
revenue stream. A new trend gaining
favor is the short-term public/private
investor agreement, such as when a
private investor/owner builds to suit
for a public entity/operator who
operates the facility for a set period
of time for a fixed fee back to the
investors and the operator keeps the
net proceeds or losses. The public
entity may have the option to buy the
facility from the private investor at a
set date.
For its new $31.4 million facility,
the city of Elgin employed a unique
capital source from riverboat
gambling proceeds. City officials set
aside gambling revenues to fund its
redevelopment of the downtown
area, so the new community center
qualified for roughly half of this
special funding, and bonds financed
the balance. Interestingly, though,
the debt service on those bonds is
also financed by gambling proceeds.
Revenue streams from user fees
should continue to fund operating
expenses, but may not necessarily
recover construction costs.
" Recreation
centers have
really become
the community
center- where
one-stop
shopping for
leisure and
recreational
needs of all
ages can be
met. "
- Michael T.
Page ~ ot 9
Financed partly by riverboat casino revenues, the city of Elgin's
Family
Recreation Center is one of the nation's largest recreation centers
under construction at 206,550 square feet and at a price of
$31,383,000.
Corporations are providing revenue sources in exchange for
advertisements, and hospitals are paying the equivalent of rental
fees for operating wellness centers within the recreation center.
These "win-win" focused efforts should fare well to allow centers
to fund more options that customers deserve and want now.
What makes a recreational center in the 21 st century? No longer
singularly focused, they are designed for multiple use and
programmed for all ages. No longer responsive to fads, they are
designed with trends in mind. Old swimming pool favorites are
saved, adding a new splash. And all eyes are on the architecture
that is now an exciting, visual experience. This is certainly not the
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Williams.
Williams
Architects
space-age "Jetson's" prototype for a recreation facility, but it is
unquestionably alluring.
"The opportunities for social interaction are now at our disposal," says Mike Williams.
"Recreation centers have really become the community center-where one-stop shopping for
leisure and recreational needs of all ages can be met." ·
LORI J. MILLER
is director of operations for Williams Architects.
January/February 2001 /27
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