Looking at options

The architect’s renderings for the Airway Heights recreation center are completed. The city is eager to move ahead with its multimillion-dollar project. Now, all the pieces have to fall into place if the small city is to get its big-time rec center. There are two big questions: Where it will go? How will it be paid for? The location depends on whether the steering committee’s recommendation to buy the Yoke’s Pac-N-Save building at 12824 W. Sunset Highway comes to fruition. That may hinge on whether the Yoke’s is available. If it’s not, then two other sites are being considered.

A northwest site is east of Craig Road and south of Sixth Avenue behind the fast-growing Hunters Crossing housing development. Developer Eric Tucker offered to donate the land to the city.

A northeast site is west of Russell Street and north of Eighth Avenue behind the Hayden Meadows housing development.

Both properties are about five acres and are zoned for residential use.

Meanwhile, ALSC Architects of Spokane was hired to draw plans for the recreation center, with the idea it would be built in a remodeled Yoke’s building.

The 46,500-square-foot plan includes a gym with two basketball courts, a weight and fitness room, a dance and aerobic studio and an indoor aquatic center. A preschool, community area and spacious lobby also are part of the design.

Jeff Warner, principal architect, said the building is similar to the Spokane Valley YMCA, which also was designed by ALCS. That $7 million facility opened in May 2000.

ALSC also was behind the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena and Gonzaga University’s new McCarthey Athletic Center, which opens Nov. 19

Tom Lien, Airway Heights director of community development, and J.C. Kennedy, recreation and community service supervisor, are hopeful a recreation center will get built.

Currently the only gym in Airway Heights is at Sunset Elementary School. Boys and girls involved in youth sports, such as basketball, often practice in the gym at odd hours.

High school and middle school students attend Cheney schools.

If plans progress, a bond initiative could go to a vote in February 2005. Kennedy, who is passionate about the project, said the city is trying to avoid seeking an initiative and is working on other ways to secure the funds, such as grants, donations from major stakeholders and long-term leases.

“Although developers are trying to entice and convince city planners a recreation center off the main drag is the way to go; some are learning toward a showcase spot on West Sunset Highway,” Kennedy said.

“It would change the face of Airway Heights,” he said.