MARKET ASSESSMENT Wentzville Community Center Feasibility
*
Section IV - Stakeholder Meetings
A series of stakeholder meetings were conducted during the course of the market analysis phase of the project. A total of 17 groups representing more than 50 people were contacted to solicit input on a community recreation center, understand stakeholder needs and explore stakeholder use of the center. The summary notes for the stakeholder meetings are outlined below. A number of Aldermen participated in the stakeholder meeting. Without question, meeting the needs of the senior and having an indoor pool were the top priorities. Fitness space and a gymnasium space with an elevated track were also popular components mentioned. There were a couple different opinions expressed about a location of the center, even though determining a location was not part of the scope of services for this study. Many mentioned a central location, while some thought a downtown location was appropriate. The need to develop a partnership to help defer capital cost and/or operating costs were central to the meeting, especially the YMCA. Clearly there is a split among Aldermen as to what level of partnership with the YMCA is acceptable. All noted that capital funding will be an issue and recognized a recreation center could cost in excess of $20 million. How to keep the community center sustainable long term with a minimal impact on the general fund is a concern The school district is very interested in having access to a competition pool. Currently, the school district contracts pool time from the O’Fallon YMCA. As part of the agreement the YMCA gets access to gymnasium space for their sports programs. The contract with the YMCA is negotiated annually and the school district would much rather have a swimming pool in Wentzville instead of traveling to O’Fallon. Other components mentioned by the school district includes a fitness equipment and group-exercise space, along with a four-court gymnasium. Mid-East Agency on Aging indicated that there is a growing shift in the number of home deliveries they have for meals. Currently the Senior Center serves about 35-40 meals on site and deliver another 85-90. Mid-East Agency on Aging is funded by state and federal sources. Demand for homebound meals is increasing. This trend is occurring nationally and is not unique to the Wentzville market. A new facility will need to have a commercial kitchen, area for a salad bar, loading area with direct access to the kitchen for home deliveries and storage space are needed to meet the senior meal program. It was noted that parking and transportation are major issues facing the senior center. Mid-East Agency on Aging would like to see a larger facility that is more accessible and has ample parking. They indicated that having a dedicated space of about 2,500 sq. ft. for dedicated programs is desirable. Other components in the recreation center will help attract younger seniors looking for fitness activities, water exercise, computer room, walking and game room activities. These spaces can also be shared with the public. The Crossroads Arts Council would like to see some exhibition space built into the design of the center to display visual arts projects. Art and dance classes could be held in meeting rooms, but the Crossroads Arts Council is not looking for dedicated space. Staff reported that they frequently hear about the Renaud Spirit Center from residents that want to know when Wentzville will have a similar facility. A competitive swimming pool, leisure pool, multi-court gymnasium, fitness equipment, group fitness rooms, meeting rooms, birthday party rooms, ample storage and loading dock. The administration team mentioned the importance of meeting the school district and senior needs. Congregate meals have been in a steady decline as the number of home deliveries is increasing. There are some concerns that the current senior center is missing the younger baby boomer seniors that are looking for a different experience than a meal program. A new community center, by virtue of the multiple activities, programs and
Page 41
