Have your say in Batavia rec center

The Batavia Park District wants to know what residents would like in a community recreation center.

District officials will host a brainstorming meeting for residents at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the park district office, 327 W. Wilson St.

They have also sent out 1,000 surveys to city residents about potential uses for the center.

The district has wanted to start on a building since a community needs survey in 2004 showed residents wanted one, said Mike Clark, park district executive director.

Originally the building was going to be sited on Mooseheart land. The district is still negotiating that but is also looking into other sites, Clark said.

"We felt that location was a very viable spot," he said. "But we don't want to put all our eggs in one basket."

Officials are working on the siting and the building plans concurrently to get the project moving, Clark said.

"We want to get both engines moving in the same direction," he said.

The district could likely buy the land for the building with the money they have, Clark said. But a building could require a referendum.

Recreation center amenities could include a fitness center, indoor pool, gymnasium or indoor track.

Consulting firm Design Perspectives Inc. should have a final report with recommendations for the park district in January, Clark said.

If people can't attend the Monday meeting, they can send their opinions to Clark at the park district office or to mikec@bataviaparks.org.