Who are activity center upgrades for?

The Batavia Park District has finally presented the location for the proposed $27.1 million multiplex activity center. Reviewing the statements and designs, is the Batavia Park District actually planning for the park district of Batavia or an extension of the Batavia High School?

The center of the proposal is an eight-lane swimming pool. An eight-lane swimming pool is meant for competitions not recreation. The shallow end is three and a half feet deep, which is needed for quick turns during speed racing but is too deep for toddler swimming.

The deep end is 12 feet deep, which will allow for spring board diving, as required for high school divers. The park district cannot start teaching spring board diving. There is no mention of ADA access to the pool. Where will the handicapped enter and exit the pool? The park district should have been aware of these requirements before they decided on eight lanes.

The turf and hard court are too small for any activity other than a single use during specific times. How will the park district transition from one usage to another?

The park district mentions lacrosse as a possible activity, which is a team sport played at the high school and outdoors. Lacrosse should never be played indoors. Funway Amusement Center has batting cages across Route 25, so why duplicate what is already available?

The most important aspect is the future costs. How much will it cost to heat the pool? What is the layout of the locker rooms? How many additional employees will be needed and at what cost?

The Batavia Park District referendum must be defeated. The Park District is trying to get the sympathy vote for the high school desires, rather than reasonable upgrades for the Batavia Park District residents.

Jack McCabe

Batavia