To the editor:

The rec center/sports village is good for Lawrence. The project and all its possibilities have received overwhelming positive support at town halls and public forums. There are understandable concerns about costs, but if we listen to our city experts and look at the actual facts, you will find a very solid plan to ensure success. I have frankly been impressed with both the rigor and transparency from our city leadership as this progressed from “idea” to “possible” to “we can do this.”

We are naturally fiscally conservative and watch spending closely to ensure we are living within our means. That is a fundamental of responsible leadership. So too is a responsibility to seize opportunity when presented, and that is precisely what the rec center represents: a unique and rare opportunity for Lawrence and the whole area. The number of parties coming together to make this project happen is unprecedented, and the resulting facility will have few equals in the country with Lawrence/Douglas County benefiting for generations.

I believe in the rec center. I believe the different groups involved are all world class and are designing a world-class facility. I believe our commissioners and city leadership are watching the dollars very closely, and I believe their plan is sound. I also believe the majority of Lawrence sees the positive and are excited to have yet another reason to proudly call Lawrence home.