Whether you prefer competitive play, outdoor night exercise or just being in a relaxing environment for a few long walks, the IOP Recreation Center is undergoing multiple improvements to not only make your visits more enjoyable, but to attract more people to come out and experience the facility’s offerings.
“On average, we have 500 to 600 participant registrations each month for classes, programs and athletics,” said IOP Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell. “This number will vary depending on registration time periods.”
To help increase numbers, the center began work in April on a new $56,000 exterior paint job, paid from the building maintenance fund. Additionally, three new playground pieces and surfacing installation, which started in March and is scheduled for completion in early May, was contracted not to exceed $500,000. Pending city council approval, new pickleball lights costing $60,650 could soon be in the works as well.
A new baseball scoreboard will also be in the budget if the current scoreboard fails during seasonal play. The cost at present is unknown, but Ferrell pointed out that it could be similar to the soccer scoreboard “which we replaced earlier this year, and it was around $15,000.”
“All projects combined, the total cost for rec center improvements is $620,000,” she said. “The playground project was paid for with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The rest of the projects are percentages from the Recreation Building Fund, Hospitality and Capital Projects.”
She added that while it is too early to tell if the improvements will bring out more center patrons, signs are encouraging. For example, Ferrell noted that the center’s monthly numbers doubled in March due to camp registration, “but do not include participation we get at the playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, fitness court or people just enjoying the park.”
So while the upgrades are in progress, come out and see what you’ve been missing, and maybe improve your health by reducing some of that stress through physical exercise. Chances are you’ll be back to participate in many of the center’s offerings. “I think any upgrade to a facility could increase participation,” Ferrell said. “If the lights are added to the pickleball courts, that will increase playing opportunities. Once the playground project is complete, we will see an increase of birthday parties, mom groups, homeschool groups and many others visiting the park. Maintaining a clean and upkept facility lets the community know you care about offerings and their overall experience.”
By L. C. Leach III
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