Marble Falls could save money by upgrading parks instead of building new sports complex, commissioner says
MARBLE FALLS — The city could save millions by fixing up existing athletic fields instead of trying to build a new multimillion-dollar sports complex, suggests a member of a group deciding the fate of the proposed facility.
Members of the City Council, Economic Development Corp. and Parks and Recreation Commission held a second workshop Oct. 15 to discuss whether building the sports complex — which could cost an estimated $34 million spread out over several phases — makes economic sense for the city.
Steve Manley, a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, asked attendees to consider upgrading the city’s current facilities, which he said would save the community millions.
He brought pictures of some of the existing parks, which he said need leveling and better parking.
“Some people would call it quaint,” he said, showing pictures of parks on a projector. “I call it embarrassing.”
Manley said he believes the costs for upgrades is $1.45 million, which is less than the projected $8 million apiece for the recreational complex phases.
Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman David Rhodes asked Manley for a solution to raise the money.
“I didn’t know I had to come up with a plan,” Manley said. “Sell off some of this (city-owned) land.”
Rhodes wants the group to figure out a way to raise $8 million and asked them to remember that Marble Falls “is advertised as a destination community.”
Supporters say that a sports complex will attract regional tournaments and competitions, helping pump up sales taxes and improving the local economy.
City Manager Ralph Hendricks said improving the existing parks would be costly, which is why the city is maintaining them rather than upgrading the parks and fields.
“Something needs to be done,” said Mayor George Russell. “I don’t know what that something is.”
However, the the mayor credited Councilwoman and EDC Director Jane Marie Hurst for saying the complex needs walking trails, which could be viewed as phase 1A.
“There’s a need, no question,” he said. “We don’t have the financing whereabouts to do it.”
Russell said it might be worth trying to build a complex and upgrade the existing parks because they will still be used during the week.
One way to help funding is to ask the various athletic associations to raise their registration fees, officials suggested. In the past, a bond issue or a tax increase also has been suggested.
“It’s time for this community to step up,” said Hurst, who added she has three sons who all played in those youth parks. “Phases 1A, 1B, 2, 3 is a way to phase into it. When it comes to property taxes and sales taxes, some people won’t like it, but most of the people are going to like it.”
The next workshop is 4 p.m. Nov. 6 in the council chambers, 800 Third St.