Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
During the El Dorado City Commission Workshop on Wednesday, April 2, the agenda item labeled, “Multi-Use Recreation Center”, involved turning the Civic Center into a recreational center for the public to use.
The conversation began when the Civic Center was due for structural and aesthetic updates as voiced by the former El Dorado Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Phil Benedict for several years and echoed by new Executive Director Greg Mudd. The item was put into the Excess Sales Tax Committee for consideration to payout $300,000 worth of updates to the center, which is currently occupied by the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce and El Dorado Inc., for office usage.
The other portions of the center, which include a meeting room, two break out rooms, and a large gathering space, have been historically rented out to large events, birthday parties, business meetings, wedding groups and has hosted several state-wide and local government training courses and events, including township meetings and more.
The conversation on the topic wasn’t lengthy and brought more questions than answers. Ideas brought to the table included mobile pickleball nets, batting cages, and allowing party rentals. There are two other places to play pickleball in El Dorado currently, which include the outdoor courts at North Main Park and the indoor courts at the recreation center, named the Activity Center, which is located directly beside the El Dorado High School. The courts at both locations are fully operational with no visible issues. Both are used often by different athletic teams.
Moving the recreational center to the Civic Center would also give El Dorado Parks & Rec their own dedicated space. The issue with this is that the City would need to relocate El Dorado Inc., and the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce. The Train Depot and the city room/building attached behind the Civic Center were both options discussed.
With many questions brought up, City Manager David Dillner was requested to bring more information back to the commission before any decisions are made. This topic was brought to the Chamber of Commerce and Inc., in a separate meeting in the last week.
