Marina
A significant $53 million plan to develop a new Emporia Recreation Center, coupled with the renovation of existing recreation structures, is currently on hold.
The delay could extend for several months, as financial constraints continue to affect the project’s progression.
Steering Committee Update: Financial Constraints Impacting the Project
On Tuesday, the Emporia Recreation Center Steering Committee convened to assess the situation and discuss future steps.
Although the necessity for a new recreation center was recognized, committee members concluded that the community is not yet in a financial position to support the project.
Financial Realities of the Project
“We all understand that right now, and even in the near future, a new facility isn’t what’s best for our community financially,” explained Amanda Gutierrez, the Director of the Emporia Recreation Center (ERC).
She added, “We know that the need is there, and it will continue to be there. At this moment, we want to ensure that we don’t entirely abandon the project, so we’ll continue to meet periodically.”
Exploring Alternative Funding Options for Partial Renovations
While the project for a new recreation center is temporarily halted, the Steering Committee is actively exploring alternatives to fund various components of the development.
One such initiative includes the potential renovation of the Lee Beran Recreation Center or the Debauge Family Sports Complex.
Applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Trey Cocking, the City Manager of Emporia, shared that the city is considering an application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to fund the renovation of the Debauge Family Sports Complex. “We are currently conducting income surveys to determine if we qualify for the grant,” Cocking explained.
“Once the surveys are complete, we plan to apply for the CDBG funds to renovate Debauge. Additionally, we are exploring private funding sources to complement this grant, and we are discussing potential contributions from the city and the recreation center.”
Proposed Renovations at Debauge
The proposed improvements at Debauge include updating the lighting, expanding the turf fields, and upgrading the storage and restroom facilities. “A major demand we’ve been hearing from the community is the desire for more opportunities to play soccer,” Cocking noted.
He also pointed out that the upcoming 2026 World Cup in Kansas City could spark a greater interest in soccer, which could increase the demand for soccer facilities in Emporia.
Timeline for the Project and Next Steps
Cocking expects the community surveys to be completed within the next few weeks. If Emporia qualifies for the grant, the city plans to submit the CDBG application by late June or early July.
The Steering Committee is set to meet again on June 17 at 3:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1 A/B at the W.L.W. Civic Auditorium to review the progress and continue discussions on the future of the project.
The Emporia Recreation Center project, though currently paused, is still actively under consideration. With financial constraints affecting the ability to develop a new facility, alternative funding sources and partial renovations to existing centers are being explored.
The community’s support for soccer facilities is clear, and the Steering Committee’s efforts to secure funding will likely shape the future of the project in the coming months. The next meeting in June will provide further insights into the next steps for the Emporia Recreation Center.