'A second home': Streetsboro debates $2.6M community center for seniors, other programs

Streetsboro City Council got its first look at a proposed $2.6 million community center to house programs for the city's parks department and senior citizens. But council members immediately suggested making the facility larger and more elaborate, potentially increasing the cost.

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Greg Mytinger, the city's parks and recreation director, presented plans for a community center, which would house events for the city's seniors, as well as other park programming. The structure would be built on the campus of the City Park off Kirby Lane.

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The $2.6 million estimated cost for the building includes contingencies but doesn't include "soft costs" such as furniture and sewer hookups. Mytinger also presented information on proposed operating hours and potential staff that might be needed, such as a programming coordinator or two to handle in-person registration.

Council will consider legislation on the community center on Sept. 26.

Some council members expressed concern about hiring more staff, while others suggested the job might be a good one for a senior. But many expressed concerns that the 5,500- to 6,500-square-foot building, with two 1,000-square-foot meeting rooms, would quickly become too small for the city's needs.

"It almost feels like we're building it too small," said Councilman Justin Ring. "We need to plan for what the future will bring."

Mytinger said the senior center has 170 members, and has lost about 30 in recent years because some moved out of the area. The current facility on state Route 43, which the parks department moved into in 2018, holds a fraction of that many, he said.

Some community events, such as the Daddy/Daughter Dance, have to be held outside the city because no place in town is large enough, he said.

If the building is expanded, he said, that could be done during the planning stage. Tentative plans already budget space for future exansion.

"It's adding trusses, basically," he said.

Councilwoman Julie Field also suggested adding other touches, such as large windows to add light and a fireplace to make the rooms "cozy."

"It might cost a bit more, but it would make it nice," she said.

Councilman Anthony Lombardo said he doesn't want to see the city in a situation where seniors are turned away because of lack of space, and Councilwoman Jen Wagner agreed. She said she also wants to see some upgrades to make the area nicer.

"I want to make it like a second home," she said.

Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Streetsboro debates $2.6M community center; council suggests upgrades