It shouldn’t be long before the public sees tangible proof that a recreation and aquatic center is coming to Crossville.
City officials have ordered a sign to be posted on the site to be occupied by the center at N. Main St. and Livingston Rd.
“It’s in production as we speak,” said City Manager Valerie Hale during Friday’s special-called session of the Crossville Sports Authority, the body charged with funding and constructing the $38.338 million facility that will be operated by the Putnam County YMCA.
Hale’s comment was in answer to a statement from Sports Authority member Rob Patton as the body met to sign off on a number of legal documents toward the bond sale raising funds for the three-story facility’s construction.
“I think we need to start showing that this is where it’s going to be to the public,” Patton said. “Get a sign up and start making this thing look real.”
Hale said the double-sided 8-by-16-foot sign will have a rendering of the facility and sit at the corner of Livingston Rd.
“Perfect,” Patton said.
He added, “I think we need to start creating some excitement about it. I think it needs to happen.”
Randy York, legal counsel for the Sports Authority, advised issuing a press release detailing center’s timeline and benefits to the city “so that there’s no misinformation about it.”
To clarify, he asked bonding agent Larry Kidwell about the time period during which the bonds cannot be redeemed.
“It is a five-year period of time where the bonds may not be redeemed from the date of issuance,” Kidwell confirmed.
During Friday’s special-called meeting, Sports Authority members signed off on a number of resolutions putting the bond sale in motion.
They also approved resolutions for an intergovernmental agreement with Crossville City Council, execution of an operating and lease agreement with the YMCA, and accepting real property for the facility.
The City Council will consider similar resolutions during a special-called meeting at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday in the third-floor conference room of Crossville City Hall.
A competition-size indoor pool will be the centerpiece of the facility, which will also include a large gymnasium suitable for YMCA or recreation league sports, a community hall, welcome space, small sauna space, large classroom and child-care area.
The upper level will feature a large workout and fitness space, as well as a track overlooking the pool area.
Architects with Upland Design Group are working with Mandy Perhay, Putnam County YMCA CEO, on features that are popular at the Cookeville center.
The YMCA is planning a $10 million capital campaign to solicit funding for construction, staffing and operating expenses over a three-year period, the time it’s estimated to take the center to become self-sustaining.
“YMCA’s going to be raising funds here before long,” said Patton when he asked about signage, “and that would help them as well, I would certainly think.”
All resolutions before the Sports Authority were unanimously approved by members Patton, Chairwoman Tracey Barnes, Vice Chairman Lou Morrison, Secretary Brock Hill, Treasurer Mark Moore, Ethan Hadley and Sheryl Webb.
“I just happened to go by Sparta’s YMCA,” Patton told the group before they dismissed. “And they were busy, busy.”