In November, Westerville voters approved an extension of a city income tax to fund parks, open space, and similar projects until 2040. Now, the Parks and Recreation Department has presented its first plans for projects it plans to undertake in the long term.
The plans’ highlight is an expansion of the Westerville Community Center, which could cost $22m or more. Randy Auler, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, said planning has begun on expanding the building. The expansion will make room for a new senior center, as well as giving more room to the center itself.
Auler said Parks and Recreation is studying approximately 30 community centers throughout the nation to determine what works well and what does not. However, since the bonds used to build the original center are still being paid off, it is not likely that work will begin until 2020.
Community seniors are solidly in favor of the new facility, since the old one is now inadequate. In addition. Larry Jenkins, a Westerville city councilman, says he would rather see money going to a new center than used to shore up the old one.
Other projects revealed as being under consideration are expanding Hoff Woods Park, scheduled for 2016, and the creation of the first phase of an “edge adventure park”, the city’s first, in 2020.
City officials could work with a flyer printing company on a mailer for residents, explaining the status of these projects.
