Proposed California rec center to cost between $2-3 million
CALIFORNIA – The Greater California Area Parks and Recreation Association met this week to continue discussions on the new proposed California Recreation Center. With the project in its early stages, members of the park association’s, public relations committee reviewed surveys recently distributed throughout the community, inquiring as to the needs of residents when determining the specifics of the recreation center.
Committee chairmanRaymond Pecuch noted that the park association needs an exact layout as to the specifics of the center to answer the needs of the residents of the borough.
State Rep. Peter J. Daley (D-California), who was in attendance, said that he also reviewed the survey results and is very satisfied with the response.
“People spoke clearly as to what they want from the recreation center,” he said. “And the residents want to see the project go. So, there is definitely a need for a membership program. Every response was very positive, yet very different in what the residents want or need.”
Added Daley, “I will help out, as much as possible; the borough isn’t ready to take the ball yet until legal issues regarding the borough being able to help fund the project is finalized. I am offering the use of my office and secretary, so the park association can get this project moving. The borough is just overwhelmed right now.”
Daley said he will help the park association acquire a 501C3 tax-exempt status so the park association can open a checking account and suggested that members of the park association start soliciting area business leaders for donations.
“We have to keep people in the community involved in this project and let them know what our long- and short-range plans are for the center,” he said.
“This will help in the fund-raising endeavors.”
“I don’t want to let this project die,” said California Mayor Galvie Gardner. “I won’t let it die. We need to target and see this project through.”
The committee voted to begin fund-raising for the project soon, with a major effort geared during the town’s annual Light-Up Night in December.
The project is estimated to cost anywhere between $2 and $3 million.