Plans proceeding for ‘Big MAC’

Architectural design concepts for an $8.7 million multi-purpose athletic center were put before Carson City’s Parks and Recreation Commission in nearly completed form Tuesday night.

The commission, which also reviewed a management plan for land along the Carson River and heard a report on the Nevada 150 Fair, assessed a presentation on plans 90 percent finished regarding the so-called “Big MAC” recreational facility along Russell Way near the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada. Target completion is in mid-2016.

“We are working with Miles Construction,” said Brent Tippets of Valentiner Crane Architects, Salt Lake City, Utah, who made a PowerPoint presentation. “We believe that we are on budget.”

Roger Moellendorf, Parks and Recreation Department director, gave the timeline that envisions 100 percent design by Nov. 5, pricing of the MAC building and the start of construction next March and completion about 15 months later.

Tippets said the center would have two collegiate basketball courts overlaid by four high school sized courts, as well as capability for conversion to four volleyball courts. He said the gym space would have wood flooring and there would be a mezzanine walking/jogging track. There would be 139 parking spaces. He said there’s room for expansion later if funds develop, but that might require more parking.

Moellendorf, meanwhile, reminded commission members with the Boys and Girls Clubs facility parking next door there might be use for weekend events as well.

Deputy City Manager Marena Works provided the post-fair report, saying she would expand on it at the Sept. 18 Board of Supervisors meeting. She said estimates are that combined crowds, with some repeaters, reached 21,000 for the five-day fair July 30-Aug. 3.

Supervisor John McKenna, who also is a commission member, asked Works should another fair be done next year how quickly the planning must start.

“The sooner the better,” Works replied.

The commission reviewed a Carson River area land management plan and took public comment, much of which centered on whether there would be a parking lot near the Mexican River Dam. Several residents opposed that and public use of a roadway on an easement. The residents maintain it and the city twice declined it, they testified. Bill Desormier and Jack Foerschler, along with others, said concerns include access, wildlife and private property.

The group of river area residents said they have problems with off road vehicles and there are other access points to the Prison Hill area, where such activity is allowed. Most of the lands in the management plan are reserved for passive recreation rather than such active recreational pursuits.

Public comments on the 190-page draft plan will be taken until Sept. 12.

After such input is incorporated into a final draft, it goes to the Board of Supervisors for subsequent action.