Basketball courts, a new location and sales tax: A look at Boone's new rec center plans

The fate of a yet-to-be-built community recreation center is on the ballot again in Boone.

The Boone City Council, at its Aug. 5 meeting, approved a special election to partially fund a 37,000-square-foot community recreation complex. The item will appear on the general election ballot on Nov. 5 as a special election issue.

Boone residents will vote on whether the city should issue "no more than $10 million in general obligation bonds or capital loan notes" to help fund the cost of constructing the center.

Voters said 'no' to a rec center during a special election in 2022. The bond lost by less than 150 votes.

Boone Mayor Elijah Stines said holding the special election for the new proposal during the general election will encourage broader participation.

"This is the best effort we could put forward to gauge interest overall," Stines said. "Really, we're just waiting on direction from voters."

Stines said residents didn't like the 2022 proposal because it involved a 2% increase to electric bills . The City of Boone has decided to use the local option sales tax to fund the project instead.

More: Ames hires first sustainability coordinator to help align with its Climate Action Plan

What would the recreation center look like?

The newest proposal has the recreation center being built on land north of Cap Erbe Park and south of the Boone Middle School.

Stines said the original proposed location on 628 Story St . − the site of a former Fareway store − was an issue among residents. They said the plan "lacked outdoor space, had limited parking and wouldn't be able to grow with the community."

Stines said the 2024 rec center plan is larger than two years ago.

The facility's design includes four multi-use courts for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball and a retractable turf option. Other features include a walking track, a play area, an indoor flex space, and an outdoor multi-use space with natural grass.

The design allows for future additions and room for an aquatics space.

More: Iowa State-grown wines win State Fair competition. Here's how to sample them at the fair:

How would the project be funded?

The estimated cost to develop the 22 acres where the facility will be is $19.7 million. Boone has previously set aside funds for land acquisition.

The $10 million bond would be devoted to constructing, improving, and equipping the facility. It is anticipated to be repaid using local option sales tax funds and reappropriated debt service funds.

A committee has been formed to raise the remaining $9.7 million through private sources.

More: Hurd's Haven kennel and The Rustic Rose wedding venue celebrate milestone anniversaries

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Basketball courts, a new location and sales tax: A look at Boone's new rec center plans