BY MARIE McCAIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SPRINGDALE -- Council members are expected to decide today which option the city will go with in its bid to expand the community recreation center. Working in conjunction with the architectural firm of CDS Associates Inc., city officials have discussed four options.
They include various combinations of improved teen areas, meeting rooms, locker rooms and restrooms; and adding amenities such as a dance-aerobics studio, glass-backed elevators, a running track and at least one basketball court.
But officials will have to decide during the 7 p.m. meeting exactly how much the city can afford.
Initially, they thought the plan wouldn't cost much more than $5 million. But cost estimates have exceeded that, running from $5.7 million to as high as $7.8 million.
Each option proposes a multistory addition to the 26-year-old structure at 11999 Lawnview Ave. But they vary in size and amenities. Option 1 would feature a three-story addition containing a running track and double gym, improved parking and other amenities. Option 2, the most expensive, resembles the first option except the track would be longer.
Option 3 keeps the double gym amenity but reduces the size of the addition to two stories, drops two meeting rooms and displaces parking spaces.
Option 4 pares the double gym to an oversized single gym and deletes some rooms and plumbing fixtures. It is the cheapest option.
The Springdale Municipal Building is at 11700 Springfield Pike; the meeting will be held in council chambers.
