Response		Percent	Votes
No		62%	615
Yes		32%	324
Not sure		4%	49
Total	988

disgustedagain 3 years, 9 months ago

The same people who organized the email drive to support a rec ctr in W. Lawrence might be likely to direct people to this poll by email. And given the number of people I know who don't get the LJW or read it online, it's hardly an accurate poll of a majority of Lawrence residents. Purely for entertainment and to generate website interaction.

jeromepichette 3 years, 9 months ago

Let's put that money in our schools where it is needed. We have enough rec centers already. If the city has that much extra money, how about lowering our property taxes

SFBayhawk 3 years, 9 months ago

They have the swim center at Free State. And rumor has it, the gravity works the same for workouts in West as East Lawrence. They ever heard of running? New football stadium... hmmm ... pretty soon they're gonna build a cruise ship out there.

jumpin_catfish 3 years, 9 months ago

Use the Obama model: it doesn't matter how much it will cost just do it because its the right thing to do.

persevering_gal 3 years, 9 months ago

Maybe in the future, but not with the current economical status.

royalpain 3 years, 9 months ago

Maybe we should just close all the rec centers down. Everyone can just run or swim. No hoops, no cardio, no weights & no youth programs. Shut the whole thing down. If West Lawrence can live without a rec center, then the rest of the city should be willing to do it, too.

kansasmutt 3 years, 9 months ago

Royal ) You really think this is the time to blow 7 mil $ on a rec center ? You think that with the other things out west they need a rec center ? You think N Lawrence should get a rec center first since they have been around since back in the 1800s ? Do you think you would like to pay more tax`s to support this or anything else in this great economic time ? You think the private gyms need the city to take the revenue from them and loose the tax dollars they take in to run your city ? Think before you decide what is best, since the city doesnt do it before they decide anything.

xbusguy 3 years, 9 months ago

Should the city build a recreation center in west Lawrence?

Can the city pay the existing bills without raises taxes and charging user fees? ...... I didn't think so

vega 3 years, 9 months ago

what about potholes, will they ever be fixed?

dukehester 3 years, 9 months ago

Build a rec center BEFORE we figure out how to properly compensate our teachers? i don't think so!! Build a rec center BEFORE we figure out how to properly NOT further a Eastside/Westside....us versus them situation? i don't think so!!

KU_cynic 3 years, 9 months ago

Now is not the right time given the city's fiscal situation. Perhaps if west Lawrence voting precints supported a targeted property tax surcharge in a referendum . . . but then that would raise other issues of geographic and socioeconomic equity within the city.

What I have yet to see mentioned in the Journal-World's coverage of this issue is any analysis of usage rates at the East Lawrence and Holcomb rec centers. For each center, what are the daily usage rates for ball courts and for fitness areas? If the usage rates are comfortably below capacity, then the prudent policy for now is to tell citizens in west Lawrence to use existing facilities, at some inconvenience in terms of personal travel.

puddleglum 3 years, 9 months ago

can we just fix the stoplights first?

Practicality 3 years, 9 months ago

The people in West Lawrence pay a large portion of taxes in this city. If they want a rec center, they should get to have one. Or is it only o.k. for them to pay for rec centers in East Lawrence? Besides, when did the city of Lawrence start worrying about being fiscally responsible? I am sure a rec center in West Lawrence would be beneficial to the tax payers and children in that area.

You guys kill me.

mae 3 years, 9 months ago

there's well enough in town. too bad if the rich suv drivers have to drive 5min across town!! they do it to ride $2000 bikes in our way, why not for a rec center? oh yeah, that would mean another car-ride to spend time with their kids.

workinghard 3 years, 9 months ago

A membership to a gym is what, $30 to $35 a month, and doesn't that include the workout classes?

none2 3 years, 9 months ago

I remember when there were three rec centers: east Lawrence, downtown, and west Lawrence (Holcomb). Now they refer to the Holcomb as in south Lawrence. What we need to do is help Stull build a rec center so that there will be no question that there is one way out west.

What the city should do is vacate all the rec centers, built a GIANT round-a-bout at 23rd and Iowa -- big enough for a city wide rec center and parking lot. With one huge rec center in the busiest intersection in town, then everybody can be equally happy or equally unhappy about the location.

kidscount 3 years, 9 months ago

What this city needs is something for teens to do. There is NOTHING for teens to do, for the love of God, Lawrence doesnt even have a skating rink, WTF!

gl0ck0wn3r 3 years, 9 months ago

"kidscount (Anonymous) says…What this city needs is something for teens to do."

Yeah, because if there is one thing "teens" love to do it is hang out at city sponsored events and recreational facilities.

If you think there is a market for a skating rink, get a loan and build one. If you are right, you will make quite a bit of money.

royalpain 3 years, 9 months ago

Got news for you mae - not everyone in West Lawrence drives an SUV. Not everyone in West Lawrence lives in a $300k house. Not everyone in West Lawrence despises their children and hires a nanny to raise them. It might surprise you to know that there are plenty of folks who are in two-income families, pay rent monthly, own vehicles that fit inside of SUVs and live fiscally responsible lives. The question posed here was "Should the city build a rec center in West Lawrence?". I say yes. Now, if the question said should the city build it next week, that would change my answer. Right now is not the time to build it. It should be built when the city can pay for it in full. Until then, they should concentrate on erasing existing parks and rec debt, while properly maintaining the facilities that they have. Generalizing and stereotyping will not help at all. Making this to be a west vs. east issue is ridiculous. All portions of the city deserve equal services. The disparity in parks and rec facilities is easy to see. I've lived in both east and west Lawrence. You can't argue that east Lawrence is under-represented in that category. Now, north Lawrence is another story....

none2 3 years, 9 months ago

royalpain (Anonymous) says…

"...Now, north Lawrence is another story…."

What story? There is no "under" representation of recreation facilities in North Lawrence. Rather there is simply "no" recreation facilities in North Lawrence.

Given that the fire department thinks that temporarily putting one fire truck in North Lawrence would jeopardize the safety of people in the rest of Lawrence, I cannot imagine North Lawrence ever getting a rec center. Of course some could argue that since North Lawrence residents can walk/run/bike the levee and desperate people could try to swim the river, that residents have no need for a rec center.

kmat 3 years, 9 months ago

none2 (Anonymous) says…

royalpain (Anonymous) says…

“…Now, north Lawrence is another story….”

What story? There is no “under” representation of recreation facilities in North Lawrence. Rather there is simply “no” recreation facilities in North Lawrence.

Given that the fire department thinks that temporarily putting one fire truck in North Lawrence would jeopardize the safety of people in the rest of Lawrence, I cannot imagine North Lawrence ever getting a rec center. Of course some could argue that since North Lawrence residents can walk/run/bike the levee and desperate people could try to swim the river, that residents have no need for a rec center.

Those of us in the one part of town that is always completely ignored get off our arses and use the park near our homes. We want to shoot hoops, we do it outside at the park. That's what people in other parts of town should do also. In inclement weather, you're screwed. There's the fun jogging game of trying to jog up to the levee trails and avoid the potholes in the streets that the city hasn't bothered to repave in years and years. Jog on sidewalks you say? What sidewalks?? There aren't many of them in N. Lawrence. We can also play dodge the train, but if you're slow the outcome isn't so good. And when it rains hard, we can swim under the railroad bridge on 2nd street.

All the whiners on the west side of town can shut up. Boo hoo, you want a rec center. Some of us in Lawrence just want basic city services. Until this city can provide basic equal services for all (like emergency crews), you can just keep on whining. You want to shoot hoops, go to a park or drive to one of the other rec centers. At least you have paved streets on your side of town that don't eat your cars.

kla4one 3 years, 9 months ago

Interesting, nearly all negative comments and the poll is pretty heavily no. Yet Rob Chestnut tells me in an email that it's not a question of if but when a rec ctr gets built. Probably just a rhetorical flourish on his part, but I'd like to know when a final decision was made that, yes, we WOULD have a rec center in W. Lawrence. Seems pretty clear no one wants to pay for it now anyway.

I don't think W. Lawrence should get a rec ctr before North Lawrence. Although, possibly, they should first get a firehouse!

Send an email to commissioners: get email addresses at www.ci.lawrence.ks.us/commissioners. They don't all read comments here.

kmat 3 years, 9 months ago

Yes kla4one - N. Lawrence should get a fire house before more rec buildings are built. BUT, I'd bet money it doesn't happen. The old city manager told me to my face that the city doesn't care about N. Lawrence and if I wanted fair city services where I lived, I should move.

LadyJ 3 years, 9 months ago

kmat, you know the three times I talked to him, not necessarily about NL, I got the same disrespectful attitude which is very unprofessional and should not have been allowed in a public official.

none2 3 years, 9 months ago

kmat (Anonymous) says…

Yes kla4one - N. Lawrence should get a fire house before more rec buildings are built. BUT, I'd bet money it doesn't happen. The old city manager told me to my face that the city doesn't care about N. Lawrence and if I wanted fair city services where I lived, I should move.

Actually, what they would like is for you to buy a water pump and a long hose. There is plenty of water in the river. They just want you to pump it yourself and run the hose to your burning house. Not only does it save the tax payers money, you would probably get a good workout pulling all those hoses. Thus there is no need for a rec center. Call it the NLWPP: North Lawrence Water Pump Patrol.

merrill 3 years, 9 months ago

"The people in West Lawrence pay a large portion of taxes in this city. If they want a rec center, they should get to have one. Or is it only o.k. for them to pay for rec centers in East Lawrence? Besides, when did the city of Lawrence start worrying about being fiscally responsible? I am sure a rec center in West Lawrence would be beneficial to the tax payers and children in that area."

People from west Lawrence were the driving force behind PLAY which they now have. USD 497 publicly admitted the expensive additions to USD 497 sports facilities were a phase of PLAY. Clinton Lake Regional Park appears to be that other phase. Between the two there is close to $40 million tax dollars spent before staffing and maintenance.

Did taxpayers support even $20,000,000 for the PLAY project? NO http://www2.ljworld.com/polls/2007/may/should_city_spend_20_million_or_more_play_project/

I'd say the west side neighbors have their rec centers. Far more expansive and luxurious than any other neighborhood.

PLAY some speculate might bring more dollars to Lawrence,Kansas somehow. However there were not any economic impact studies performed to support PLAY.

This PLAY project is a perfect example as to why voting taxpayers should have the right to vote on large tax increasing projects always.

Large USD 497 expenditures also should go before voters always.

Politicans and the Chamber simply should not have the capacity to make such large tax tax increasing decisions without voter/taxpayer approval. That is the bottom line.

Find room at the aquatic center for an exercise room - without adding on. Perhaps our tax dollar supported USD 497 would like to step up to the plate?

merrill 3 years, 9 months ago

Politicans and the Chamber simply should not have the capacity to make such large tax tax increasing decisions without voter/taxpayer approval.

That is the bottom line.

merrill 3 years, 9 months ago

This 1995 one cent sales tax money could be spent more fiscally responsible such as fixing sidewalks instead of adding an additional sidewalk tax on to Lawrence residents.

This rec center will cost no less than $5,000,000(million) but more likely $7,000,000,000 - $10,000,000,000 which could maintain sidewalks for a very very very long time my tax paying brothers and sisters.

Don't forget the ONGOING many many millions of dollars Clinton Lake Regional Park project.

merrill 3 years, 9 months ago

What ever happened to the walking community that was so talked about? The city needs safe walkways.

Lawrence city commissioners should be concerning themselves about the safety of school children. 6th and 9th graders may be moving. Not all households have two cars.

School children might could be encouraged to walk or bike.

BUT what are City Commissioners and other powers that be doing to make Lawrence safer for walking and bike travel throughout our city? More "safe crossings" may be necessary such that have been created at the Arts Center.

6th graders and 9th graders might be traveling further to continue their quest for education to become more productive human beings. Walking and bicycling would be okay transportation and good for their health.

More parents and their children will be out and about. Parents may want to consider clothing,jackets and such with eye catching colors. Reflective emblems. YES! I believe Lands End offers reflective gear for adults now? Shoes with reflective markings. Local merchants can you help?.

Parents can only do so much to make their children safe.

Now it is up to the community to do more.

Did_I_say_that 3 years, 9 months ago

dukehester (Anonymous) says… "Build a rec center BEFORE we figure out how to properly compensate our teachers? i don't think so!!"

What is improper about teacher's compensation? $22.61 to $38.57 per hour plus benefits of medical, KPERS, etc. seems proper - especially since it was an agreed upon contract wage.

LadyJ 3 years, 9 months ago

"Find room at the aquatic center for an exercise room - without adding on. Perhaps our tax dollar supported USD 497 would like to step up to the plate?"

I've been saying the same thing myself, except I might support maybe adding on a modest exercise room. Put that $300,000 towards this instead of a "design" that might be outdated by the time we can use it, or not what the citizens or city officials at that time in the future even want.

merrill 3 years, 9 months ago

Clinton Lake Regional Park should handle about all outdoor and indoor sports activities at $15-$20 million. Plus USD 497 facilites what else could be necessary?

How many hours a day do indoor work out spaces sit unused? which could justify a work out space at the aquatic center = not to much spending

Sidewalks offer one of the safest exercises for the body - walking.

Running is hard on feet,ankles and knees in which case the elliptical trainer becomes a healing device. Considering the level of pressure for children to compete is high "joint" impact sports all parents who can afford to do so might seriously consider an elliptical trainer in the home as preventive care. Bad knees and ankles are prevalent within high "joint" impact sports and cost plenty for treatment.

Sidewalks plus an elliptical trainer and and a work out bench = excellent body training all of which can be done from the home.

My bet is, from what I observe, the lions share of the exercising Lawrence population chooses power walking for their exercise. This is all over Lawrence,Kansas. Why not spend the money on sidewalk rehab and maintenance... ordinances can be redesigned to fit the need.

jumpin_catfish 3 years, 9 months ago

My bet is that merrill will post two more times on this topic. You a bloggin' mochine dude but I seldom read what you say, I've got it memorized.

Katara 3 years, 9 months ago

vega (Anonymous) says… what about potholes, will they ever be fixed? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That's part of the new rec program. Excellent exercise, I hear.

merrill 3 years, 9 months ago

"merrill (Anonymous) says…

USD 497 publicly admitted the expensive additions to USD 497 sports facilities were a phase of PLAY.

Got a name you can cite and a date for this alleged admission, Richard? I bet you don't."

It was in the Journal World. Go find it. A hint. It was a USD 497 employee quote.

merrill 3 years, 9 months ago

"Referring to the city, county and district-funded P.L.A.Y. study, school district staff developed several concepts to address the high school outdoor facility needs. As noted in the P.L.A.Y. study, extensive repairs or replacement of the joint district/city tennis center located at LHS needed to be included in any proposed solution. After presenting several conceptual ideas to the Board of Education and high schools’ administration, the current configuration depicted in the submitted site plans were finalized. "

merrill 3 years, 9 months ago

"Referring to the city, county and district-funded P.L.A.Y. study, school district staff developed several concepts to address the high school outdoor facility needs. As noted in the P.L.A.Y. study, extensive repairs or replacement of the joint district/city tennis center located at LHS needed to be included in any proposed solution. After presenting several conceptual ideas to the Board of Education and high schools’ administration, the current configuration depicted in the submitted site plans were finalized. "

USD 497 Board authorized $25,000 to be spent towards a study in partnership with the city(?) and county($10,000).

kidscount 3 years, 9 months ago

Pilgrim2,

So not true, it was busy every weekend. Jack and Elsa Rose didnt want to run it anymore so they sold it. All Im saying is, this city needs something for teens to do. They cant go bowling without their parents on the weekends, the movies are way too much, so all they have to really do is hang on the streets and possibly cause problems.

BigPrune 3 years, 9 months ago

They can build it right next to the fire station with the melted ladder sculpture. What braniac approved our tax dollars for that?

Whatever happened to the YMCA thing? I remember an article from a couple of years ago.

consumer1 3 years, 9 months ago

NO they should fix the streets. and quit wasting money.

mommaeffortx2 3 years, 9 months ago

no they should not.

kmat 3 years, 9 months ago

kidscount (Anonymous) says…

Pilgrim2,

So not true, it was busy every weekend. Jack and Elsa Rose didnt want to run it anymore so they sold it. All Im saying is, this city needs something for teens to do. They cant go bowling without their parents on the weekends, the movies are way too much, so all they have to really do is hang on the streets and possibly cause problems.

Why aren't these kids parents keeping them busy? Why are these kids left to be on the streets if they don't have a rec center? Sounds like piss poor parenting to me. Give these kids a book to read. There are other activities besides sports.

Too many people want to pop out kids, but then think taking care of them is everyone else's problem. You wanted kids, keep them occupied. It's not my problem to make sure your kids aren't on the streets causing trouble - IT'S THE PARENTS RESPONSIBILITY! It's part of the reason I quit teaching. Parents want everyone else to take care of their kids.

kla4one 3 years, 9 months ago

" The old city manager told me to my face that the city doesn't care about N. Lawrence and if I wanted fair city services where I lived, I should move." kmat, interesting. I did get a respectful and useful response from Chestnut, but he didn't respond to my comments about N. Lawrence always getting the short-end of the stick. And they do, no question about it. It's appalling, really. Since Cromwell lives in N. Lawrence, you should probably be talking to him?

kla4one 3 years, 9 months ago

And so far, Corliss seems to have little concern for NL as well. If I'm wrong, Corliss, please let me know.

Should the city build a recreation center in west Lawrence?

Comments

Should the city build a recreation center in west Lawrence?

"...Now, north Lawrence is another story…."

“…Now, north Lawrence is another story….”

Yes kla4one - N. Lawrence should get a fire house before more rec buildings are built. BUT, I'd bet money it doesn't happen. The old city manager told me to my face that the city doesn't care about N. Lawrence and if I wanted fair city services where I lived, I should move.

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