Adrian, MI – Adrian Public Schools administration, staff, coaches…along with some community members… recently met at the High School media center to have a preliminary exploratory session about the possibility of a Community Recreation Facility on APS property.
The conversation was led by APS Superintendent Nate Parker. He was looking for feedback…good and bad…on the possibility of this project taking place. Preliminary construction numbers have the project costing anywhere between $17 and $27 million dollars…with operating costs of about $300,000 per year. The building would be larger than the existing gym at the high school, spanning over 100 yards in length.
One possibility to come up with the construction funding could be to go to the voters for a millage…which would be 0.75 mills over 20 years. There is a possibility for other local fundraising opportunities to help off-set the cost.
Some of the proposed uses of the partially-turfed facility include: added indoor practice space for students to practice their sports, marching band practice, cheer and dance, practice tennis courts, off season workouts, youth rec space, and school of choice benefits.
The Facility would have some added benefits to the general public, including: an affordable option for community health and wellness, walking track, pickleball courts, fitness and cardio equipment, soccer, and event rental. Superintendent Parker emphasized the importance of creating a schedule that would allow use by both Adrian Public Schools and the community.
Possible locations pitched included the parking lot space in the rear of the High School, off of McKenzie Street, or the front lawn off of Riverside Avenue. Other locations on APS property could be considered.
Parker talked to WLEN News about how he felt the recent exploratory session went. He commented on the attendance and quality feedback…
There are two Community Feedback Forums Scheduled… one on January 28th in the APS Global Media Center, and the other on February 5th at the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee Adrian Building. Both forums will be at 6pm. Superintendent Parker said that if there is support for the project moving forward after those forums, they will go to the public with their final concept.
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