One of the Fifteen in 5 community initiatives is a state-of-the-art community life center. Planning Lifelong Activities for You or PLAY is the Fifteen in 5 group charged with building a state-of-the-art, multi-component community center/recreation complex.

We’ve done a lot of research. We’ve gathered interesting ideas. We need more input as they try to determine what’s feasible, what would best serve our community.

This project is not just a recreation center. Yes, it could include gyms and an indoor aquatic center. It would also be more multipurpose, providing a variety of activities for young and old. One model might be Elgin, Ill., a smaller community than Cedar Rapids. Elgin built a 195,000-square-foot life center three years ago. So far, it’s drawn a million users.  It’s also revived a blighted area, attracting $300 million in other new developments.

PLAY has raised $120,000 for a feasibility study to help decide the life center’s location, whom it would serve and how to fund construction and operation.

We continue to seek more input from residents. Public forums are scheduled for March, a survey in April. Whether you support or question this project, let PLAY know.