4 groups compete for land near ARC

[Note: this story has been modified since its original posting.]

At least four organizations are competing for the right to use 11 acres of city-owned land next to the Activity and Recreation Center.

Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department has received several written proposals and verbal requests for use of the land since advertising for proposals late last month. So far, Positive Regional Impact! Diversified Enterprise, Columbia Farmers’ Market, Columbia Youth Basketball Association and a group interested in building an indoor ice skating rink, have come forth.

PRIDE released plans for a multipurpose recreational facility for children and families in the Second Ward on Jan. 1. Members of the organization said they think the land next to the ARC is perfect.

“It’s large enough to accommodate the size of our project and is consistent with our goal to be located centrally, in the First Ward, and where access is available by the most people, regardless of their economic situation or where they are located in the city,” said Ellen Wiss, the chairwoman of the PRIDE board of directors.

The location of the 118,800-square-foot center, which would include basketball courts, a boxing gym and other areas for classroom and computer use, was proposed to the Columbia City Council only after the space had been considered by the Columbia Youth Basketball Association.

CYBA submitted a proposal to construct a $3 million, 62,500-square-foot facility that would feature eight basketball courts. Between 800 and 1,000 children in fourth- through ninth-grades participate in the basketball league, which plays in public school gymnasiums.

“We have been doing this for 12 years,” CYBA President Wendell Coonce said. “We have been working with Parks and Recreation. It’s a continuation of the same relationship we’ve had.”

Coonce said that his league is the only city-sponsored youth sports program that does not use a city-owned facility.

CYBA began raising money for the structure after submitting its proposal to the city, but council members said they should allow other organizations to express an interest. Organizations have until June 23 to submit requests.

A group interested in building an indoor ice rink has expressed verbal interest. Spokesman C.K. Hoenes said a rink would be the best choice for the property because it was included in a master plan for the land when the ARC was first approved by voters.

“I think that this is just completion of that master plan,” Hoenes said.

Voters rejected a sales tax proposal that would have paid for a permanent farmers market structure on the property in November. David Kottman, president of the Columbia Farmers’ Market, said the organization still wants to operate on the property.

“The market itself does not need a building so much as we need to have restroom facilities and accommodations for concessions and various things like that. That would help our customers,” Kottman said. “It’s our understanding that some of the other groups kind of have a sketchy plan for a farmers market somewhere in their proposals. Not that they are doing a farmers market, but they are saying ‘Well, they can be here, too.’”

Members of the council and some of the interested groups said they think the property is large enough to accommodate multiple facilities. Wiss said PRIDE’s proposal could incorporate the needs of more than one group under a single roof.

“We see an opportunity for this community to enjoy several of the great ideas and projects that could work well together.” Wiss said.