What's Happening in Colchester, VT…

An upcoming town meeting will give residents of Colchester a chance to share their opinions about the funding of a new recreation center.

The proposed facility has been in the planning stages for 22 years, and carries a $16 million dollar price tag. According to city officials, approximately $9 million is already available, with the additional funds to be raised by a bond issue that the voters will discuss at the meeting. Officials also noted that voters are enthusiastic about the center and are expected to approve the bond, which will not require any new taxes on the property.

The center will be a multigenerational facility comprising 29,427 square feet, located on a site on East Lakeshore Drive. A cardio/weight room, gymnasium, elevated track, studio space, and locker rooms will be included.

City officials will ask for construction bids once they have the approval of the voters to issue the bond, and hope to open the center in the spring of 2025. Management of the facility will fall to the Parks and Recreation Department, which will set membership rates at different levels for families, seniors, adults, youth, residents, and non-residents.

The town meeting will take place on March 6 and 7, with voters meeting the first evening at 7.00 pm to discuss the measure and returning the next night to vote. When events like this are scheduled, organizers can use flyer printing to create an agenda for attendees to follow during the meeting or gathering.