A surprise comment Monday by Mayor Tedd Wallace pushed the focus off McHattie Park in downtown South Lyon as a possible location for a regional recreation center.
Instead, land at Dixboro and 10 Mile roads on the western edge of the city again is a possibility. The Dixboro property was one of 12 sites the committee originally considered when looking for potential locations for a proposed center. The committee and the property owner couldn’t agree on a price, said Mike Kramer, recreation advisory committee chair, so that plan was abandoned a while ago.
The committee had narrowed its focus to building a recreation center on the northeast corner of McHattie Park, and discussion at Monday’s City Council meeting focused around that. After a lengthy discussion on the McHattie location, Wallace said the Dixboro property owner told him earlier in the day he was interested in renegotiating a sale price with the recreation advisory committee.
Instead of getting a green light to begin feasibility studies on the McHattie property, the committee will review buying the Dixboro land.
“We’re frustrated, but we’re going to keep going,” Kramer said.
Residents from South Lyon, Lyon Township and Green Oak attended the meeting. Some were in favor of the recreation center at McHattie Park and others were against. As planned, the recreation center plan would service residents in all three of those communities.
After looking at possible sites in the area, committee members, which include representatives from each community, decided McHattie Park was the most feasible, Kramer said.
Benefits of that plan include: the city owns the property, utilities are available, proximity to five schools and its location near businesses that could benefit from the increased traffic in the area.
Adding to the traffic problem, however, is a major concern among many, because McHattie Park abuts Pontiac Trail, which is already congested, especially during rush hour. Cindy Walton, a 40-year South Lyon resident, was among those who wanted McHattie Park to remain the way it is and she wanted the review committee to present other site proposals.
If built at McHattie Park, an existing sledding hill and two ball diamonds would remain, said Scott Black, a South Lyon resident and architect involved on the committee.
Councilman Joe Ryzyi said he wasn’t convinced McHattie is the right spot. He has been active on social media voicing his concerns with building a recreation center.
Councilman Harvey Weddell noted the recreation committee has “done a significant body of work to get us here. I’m afraid if we don’t resolve this today the whole thing stops and anything we’ve accomplished is for naught.” Ultimately the issue was tabled while the recreation committee negotiates on possibly purchasing the site at Dixboro Road.
Deciding on a location, however, is the “tip of the iceberg” and one of many recreation center issues. Funding is a major issue. Kramer said he expects a tax increase request will be on the November 2016 ballot. Residents in all three communities would need to approve the measure. Originally the committee members had suggested a price tag around $20 million, but estimates have been about $30 million more recently.
Wallace said showing support for the recreation center “doesn’t commit us. This gives them that stepping stone” to go to the next level.
An informal recreation center survey prompted about 1,000 responses. Of those, 82 percent said they wanted a pool, 73 percent said they preferred workout and gym facilities and 62 percent favored including a running track. While nothing has been decided, preliminary plans include an outdoor splash park, an indoor pool, basketball courts, a workout facility, areas to display art and banquet rooms.
Councilman Glenn Kivell wanted budget estimates and a conceptual design. Kramer said he was looking for council support before spending money for studies on traffic, parking, utilities and amenities.