Like it or not, the tri-town community is expanding. FHS is already among the fastest-growing schools in the district–the town is no different. To accommodate the new members of the community, an additional rec center has been proposed from the Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District. Voting must be submitted by May 3rd. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision:

The Basic Rundown

The first thing to know about the CVPRD proposition is that the new rec center will be added as an expansion in conjunction with the current rec center, which remains in downtown Frederick. The proposed second rec center, if sustained in the voting on May 3rd, is planned to be built next to the High Plains Library in Firestone. 

The proposed expansion will include amenities such as:

• An outdoor pool, including a splash pad, water slides, and hot tub
• Indoor pool (both for leisure and lap-swimming), lazy river, and water slide
• Weight room and gym
• Multi-purpose gym, which includes two indoor basketball courts and a running track 
• Fitness studio 
• Party room
• Onsite child-watching area

The Cost

If voted upon by the community, the second rec-center is estimated to cost upwards of $30 million, and an annual combined mill levy of $1.7 million per year among all Carbon Valley property owners. Broken down into individual costs, the CVPRD website claims that “for every $100,000 of home value, that would mean an increase of $19.31 annually which is under $2 monthly.” Presumably, that cost would be borne through property taxes.

Voting Details

Voting ballots for the expansion proposition have already been sent out to the community families, which took place in early April. According to the CVPRD website, “Ballots must be returned by mail or delivered to the drop-off ballot box in front of the Carbon Valley Recreation Center, 701 5th Street, by Tuesday, May 3, 2022.”

Pros and Cons

Proponents of the expansion claim that the second rec center will fulfill the growing needs of the Carbon Valley community. As it stands, the current fitness and swimming classes are near capacity, at least according to a local fitness instructor’s account in a letter sent out by the CVPRD. The letter says, “the tri-town area is strongly lacking the facilities to host an inclusive community. The current center is too small to allow class formats that thrive in our community, lacking a proper place to perform.”

As for opponents to the ballot, comments from the same-issued CVPRD letter say, “rec centers are not essential functions of government and are typically used on a regular basis by a fraction of the community, yet over the life of the bond each property owner is liable for thousands of dollars.” The antagonists of the expansion also claim that the tax increase will be detrimental to those on fixed incomes, who are already struggling with rising house values and subsequent taxes.

Overall, it will be up to the community to decide what is best for the future. Remember to submit ballots by May 3rd to stamp your voice into the future of the tri-town area. For more information, visit http://www.cvprd.com/2524/Proposed-Expansion