2012-02-28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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community of our size. The one area in which we are the weakest is recreational opportunities. Though it is number seven on the list being the one in which we are the weakest makes it the most important. Quality of place and recreational opportunities are terms that mean different things to different people. For some it means hunting and fishing. For others it means ball fields for their kids. To others it means swimming and aquatic facilities for their families. Still, yet to others, it means a place where their favorite club can have a meeting or host an event. It can be a place to participate in a community play or a place for after school activities for their kids to keep them out of trouble. And to others it means a place their business can hold a meeting. Tonight I want to outline for you the City of Batesville's 2012 Community Development Initiative and why it is important to make our community more attractive when competing for jobs against other cities such as Heber Springs, Paragould, Cabot and Bryant. Community Center The community center building is the center piece of the 2012 Community Development Initiative. This multi-purpose facility will give our citizens an indoor walking track for a healthier community. It will also have two racquetball courts and an aerobic workout room to complement physical fitness. Volleyball, basketball and other such sports played on the three basketball courts will create tournament opportunities that will bring a multitude of families to our community who will stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants and shop with our local merchants. This all purpose space will accommodate concerts, high school graduations, craft, antique, car, boat, and gun shows, home and garden shows and many other events. It will also serve as the focal point for family reunions, weddings, receptions and other celebrations. The community center will have four large meeting rooms, a boardroom, and a commercial kitchen that will enable local and regional businesses to hold meetings in Batesville bringing additional dollars into our community. Indoor Aquatics Facility The indoor aquatic facility will be located adjacent to the community center and give our citizens an indoor pool for year round use. A heated therapy pool with wheel chair access will give our seniors new opportunities for exercise and will also be a great asset to our medical community in providing water therapy afterjoint replacement and injuries. Outdoor Aquatics Facility The goal of the outdoor aquatic facility in Fitzhugh Park is to provide summertime fun for families with children of all ages. This outdoor water facility will be a cost effective alternative for many families in our community who do not have the time or money for a Branson vacation or a trip to other destinations. Making birthday party memories for a lifetime in the new aquatic facilities will be a welcomed treat compared to our old rectangle pools. The outdoor water facility will attract people within a 50 mile radius to our community on a daily basis giving a substantial economic boost to our restaurants and other businesses. Ball Park Improvements The existing five ball fields will be moved to the north recreational complex where two additional fields will also be built. The soccer fields will be moved to the Hayes property across from the old pole plant on East Main Street/Highway 394. Another part of the initiative that is crucial to our Community is the 'h-cent permanent tax that will support, not only recreation, but also our public safety and street departments. The Mayor's Office and the City Council are committed to a strong public safety department. To maintain our current ISO fire rating of 3 the fire department needs an additional pumper truck and two additional firefighters. With continued improvements, achieving a class 2 rating could result in significant reductions