Central Point city leaders dream big

Central Point— City leaders are hoping to begin construction on a 90,000 square foot community center next year.

Public Works Director Matt Samitor says the city has discussed a community center for more than a decade. Now he is a part of a project team that is trying to make it into a reality.

"We have a lot of people are calling and asking for basketball leagues and classes, but there is no space like that in central point. Every gym in the area is used year round,” he said.

The city has a few designated spots for community events, but the buildings are spread across town. Samitor says there is not enough to go around.

"Our preschool classes are in two tiny buildings and our classroom spaces are held all over town. Even our seniors are in a different facility,” he said.

Project managers are hoping to have everything in one spot and create a facility for everyone. They are looking into building the community center on Fourth and Bush streets.

If the center is approved, the $13 million building would have several basketball gyms, an indoor and outdoor pool and plenty of multipurpose rooms. There would also be space for seniors and children.

Resident Charline Jacobs says it’s about time.

"They do need a community center; the kids need something to do. They could go swimming or play basketball, I think it would be something the whole town could share in,” she said.

Jacobs often drives out of town for similar activities and wants them to be closer to home.

“We have to drive to Medford and Ashland to use the centers there. Central Point is so small, people could walk,” she said.

Parent Julie Furrer says she would support the building.

“I support it one hundred percent. We live close by and with our kids growing up in the neighborhood, it makes it fun to have activities close at hand,” she said.

Furrer takes Zumba classes offered by the city and says she would like the extra space.

“I take my classes in a junior high school gym. To have it in a building and not in a random small building and to have a community center for the kids and the grownups—that sounds good,” she said.

Project leaders hope to build the center in 2013. Samitor will present plans to the City Council Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

It will be up to city leaders to decide how to move forward.