Will Urbandale get a rec center? Voters will decide on the $43 million project Tuesday.

Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register
·1 min read

Urbandale voters will decide March 7 whether the city should build a community recreation complex that could feature pickleball and basketball courts, a walking track and a playground.

The special election will ask residents whether to take out a $43 million bond that would fund the Urbandale Community Recreation Complex, also called the U-Plex.

Urbandale officials say the U-Plex, which would be at the southeast corner of Meredith Drive and 152nd Street in Walnut Creek Regional Park, has been in city plans for more than 16 years.

The Urbandale Community Recreation Complex would be open to the public at no charge and feature pickleball courts, an indoor walking track, basketball courts, rentable space, an outdoor regional playground and sprayground, and an indoor playground.
The Urbandale Community Recreation Complex would be open to the public at no charge and feature pickleball courts, an indoor walking track, basketball courts, rentable space, an outdoor regional playground and sprayground, and an indoor playground.

What is the Urbandale special election for?

The vote on March 7 will ask residents whether to approve general obligation bonds or capital loan notes to design and construct the U-Plex. The ballot language says:

"Shall the City of Urbandale, Iowa, issue its General Obligation Bonds or Capital Loan Notes in an amount not exceeding the amount of $43,000,000 for the purpose of designing, constructing, equipping, and furnishing a new community recreation complex, with related recreational site improvement.”

How much will Urbandale homeowners pay for the U-Plex?

If passed, an Urbandale homeowner with an assessed home value of $200,000 would pay an additional $119 per year on their property taxes to pay for the project.

What would the U-Plex have?

In December, the City Council approved the conceptual design plans for the project, which would sit on 11.5 acres and include a 65,000-square-foot facility.

Inside, it would feature a walking track, a gymnasium (with space for nine pickleball courts or three basketball courts), an indoor playground and community rental space. Outdoor features would include lighted pickleball courts, a splash pad, a playground and shaded gathering spaces.

Because of costs, no pool is planned.

A look at the proposed U-Plex outdoor activities, including a splash pad and playground.
A look at the proposed U-Plex outdoor activities, including a splash pad and playground.

When do I vote?

Poll are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Only Urbandale residents can vote in the special election.

Voters who live in Polk County can find their polling place here and Dallas County voters, here.

Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Urbandale voters to decide on $43 million rec center known as U-Plex