Todd Frank votes with a green dot for basketball courts Tuesday in a future Bentonville Community Center during a meeting at the Bentonville Public Library. The center is projected for completion in 2012.
Photo by David Frank Dempsey

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BENTONVILLE — Miguel Rivera is excited about an addition close to his neighborhood.

Rivera was one of dozens of Bentonville residents to attend Tuesday’s public hearing about a proposed community recreation center on 35 acres near the southwest corner of Arkansas 12 and Arkansas 112.

Rivera lives within a mile of the planned location for the community center.

“It’s a great idea for the community and the city,” Rivera said. “I’m excited because it will be good for families, young people and seniors.”

Rivera and other residents listened as they heard whatattractions could encompass the community center.

The city had a survey done to find what amenities would most attract residents to a community center. The city received 374 surveys and 40 percent listed indoor swimming/aquatic center as the leading amenity. Thirty-fi ve percent cited an indoor running/ walking track, while 27 percent said weight room/cardiovascular equipment, and 24 percent suggested aerobics/fi tness areas.

Steve Blackburn with Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture presentation showed severaloptions for attractions in the community center.

Blackburn said his f irm designed community centers for 150 municipalities across country.

The options include the aquatic center, an all-purpose space for basketball and volleyball, indoor walking and jogging areas; an aerobics and fitness area; a weight room; community meeting area; arts and crafts rooms; a food service area; a computer lab; party rooms and separate areas for teens and senior citizens.

However, the attractions extend to outside the community center.

Blackburn’s presentation included nature trails, picnic areas, tennis courts, basketball courts and di◊erent sports fi elds.

Blackburn said public input is important to determine amenities for the community center.

Residents were asked to give their opinion Tuesday by answering two questions.

! What is the greatest value a community center would bring to the residents of Bentonville?

! What are the three highest priorities for spaces you and your family think should be included in a community center?

“You can’t build everything, so it’s important that we have them tell us what they would like to see,” Blackburn said.

Richard Scates prefers the center houses an area for large group meetings. Scates said he may not use the facilities frequently, but believes the center will be an asset to the city.

Howard Kerr wants the center to include a fitness center and community meeting rooms.

Kerr was impressed by the presentation.

“I hope everyone gets behind and supports it,” Kerr said.

News, Pages 1 on 11/04/2009

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