grand junction may build new recreation center

A new 98,000 square foot recreation center could be in Grand Junction’s future, depending upon the results of a special election in April.

That election will see voters giving either a thumbs up or down to a proposal calling for a new 0.39 percent sales tax, the revenues of which will go for the construction of the center.

Long talked about in the city, the facility will go up on some 25 acres inside the Matchett Park about 5 miles northeast of downtown Grand Junction.

As planned, the center, which is expected to cost around $50 million to build, will house both swimming and therapy pools, as well as meeting rooms, and a child supervision area.

An additional 50 acres of the park would be developed for use as an outdoor fitness area and skate park, with basketball, pickle ball, and tennis courts.

If passed, the sales tax will also fund the renovation of existing pool facilities in the Orchard Mesa Community Center at 2736 Unaweep Avenue on the southeast side of the city.

A recent city-wide survey conducted by the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department indicated that some 88 percent of respondents said they were in favor of a new community recreation center, even if it meant an increase in the local sales tax.

By Garry Boulard

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