7.1. SR 04-23-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 / Elk River Star News / Wednesday, April 18, 2001 · Visit us on the web at www. Hom. The Star News Opinion page is a forum for editorials, readers' letters, guest commentaries and reactions to views previously expressed on this page. OPINI Lions' proposal needs city council's attention The enthusiasm and optimism for a community center is higher than ever in Elk River with talk of a YMCA possibly coming to town. But before we get caught up in all the excitement, there is a proposal in front of the Elk River City Council that needs careful atten- tion now. The Elk River Lions want to expand the Lions Park shelter, and they have the money to do it. There is $100,000 in hand and the rest of the $240,000 project could be financed with future gam- bling proceeds. Construction could begin this year. The facility could provide meet- ing space for groups of 150 and more on the site of Lions Community Park. This jewel of a park would be even better with a large shelter for community use. The shelter would be the perfect setting for Lions meetings and pancake breakfasts as well as company picnics and family reunions. The list of possi- bilities go on. The building --as it's drawn up -- would have the ability to service the needs of the Lions, Community Recreation and the community at- large, without posing a threat to any potential partnership between the city of Elk River and the YMCA. The city could maintain the building, as it does the rest of the park, and through the Community Rec program could operate the facility. Lions Park will always be here and having a large shelter there makes a great deal of sense. The city council has kept this pro- posal -on the back burner and appears ready to give it more careful consider- ation now that the results of the YMCA sur- vey are in. They learned there is strong Jim Boyle support for a YMCA, but such a project is sever- al years out, if it is to happen at all. A park shelter with gathering space will not compete with any- thing the city comes up with in partnership with the YMCA or on its own. It will only complement. Community Recreation wil! someday need a new home, and the Lions' plan provides a perfect fit. Having offices at the edge of Lions Park would do nothing but increase the recreational opportu- nities of kids and adults. If the city is to partner with the Lions, it will no doubt have high expectations for the facility. This is a good thing. But the danger is trying to make- the facility more than it needs to be. It is one piece of the puzzle. The Lions Park shelter would be the perfect prelude to a joint city/YMCA project.