Recreation project pushed by chair

It’s time to “turn some dirt” as soon as feasible on Carson City’s proposed Big MAC recreation project, the chairman of the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission urged Tuesday.

Sean Lehmann made that comment as he voiced fear construction project costs will rise, vicing it after a report at the commission meeting on both the project and imminent expected passage of funding for the multi-athletic center and other city capital projects.

The Board of Supervisors is expected to adopt an ordinance Thursday raising city sales tax one-eighth of a penny to provide financing.

Lehmann suggested moving quickly to finalize plans for the larger MAC of two that have been considered. Roger Moellendorf, Parks and Recreation Department director, said those Big MAC plans are 60 percent done and would come before the commission again as everyone hopes to more quickly if the governing board approves, as anticipated.

He said other plans for changes at the Community Center to accommodate the culture community would take longer, but also come to the commission. Such a proposal was added to the possible projects recently.

Donna Curtis, long time commission member, said she remains hopeful the larger version of the MAC project can eventually be done via an addition, and to that end she had sought a federal finance infusion over the long haul. She said when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was in town days ago, she asked for $3 million for such a subsequent Big MAC addition. Someone asked what she learned.

“I’m still waiting for an answer,” she replied.

The Big MAC version already partly planned calls for major competition-sized gymnasiums overlaid with smaller ones, which will handle normal use in the community, and for an overhead walking-running track. That larger MAC, which will cost $8 or $8.5 million, was touted b supporters to help attract tournaments to bring visitors to Carson City. The smaller version was pegged at $5.7 million, an amount already set aside for the project.

The commission took no action, but did get counsel from Supervisor John McKenna who serves on the panel.

“You’re going to be the citizens leading the charge on this,” he said during discussion of the MAC and possible Community Center changes for cultural enhancements.

Moellendorf posed the question of what the cultural community stakeholders will want done, and whether to replace Bob Boldrick Theater seating early in that project or at the end.

The commission also undertook a discussion on reviewing the parks and recreation master plan and heard other reports, including one about progress on a maintenance building and picnic shelter at Fuji Park and Fairgrounds.