Why PLAY in Linn County (PLAY) is not another Rec Center?
· The PLAY vision is to create a place where the area’s citizens can meet and interact in a wider variety of venues. Recreation would be one of its components, but not its sole focus. We have learned that when different generations can meet and interact, the “sense of community” is enhanced. Fun and lifelong experience opportunities go hand-in-hand.

· PLAY could accommodate a wider variety of activities – arts, crafts, older adult services, family activity-focus, pre-school programming, and convertible space for group and community meetings, such as an outreach center housing volunteer clearinghouses and other activities for lifelong learning.

· PLAY would become a place of area pride where visitors would be attracted to its flexible configuration of facilities and program offerings.

Why PLAY is not another YMCA?
· The survival and growth of multiple recreational venues is viewed as critical to PLAY. The selection of Williams Architects as PLAY’s feasibility study consultant was partly based upon their success in collaborating with other recreational entities. PLAY’s goal is to augment area opportunities, not replace.

· It is envisioned that PLAY could offer green space recreational options for field sports such as baseball, softball, and rugby that face critical shortages in practice and game facilities. The absence of these options has hindered the area’s ability to host tournaments which has had a negative economic impact.

· Conceptually, PLAY could likely serve a different demographic than the YMCA, providing activities for those who are not able to participate.

Who supports PLAY?
· PLAY was formed from Idea 9 of the 15-in-5 Area Initiatives. Citizens submitted 3,500 ideas to improve Linn County and a community center was suggested over 450 times.

· A key element in attracting/retaining high quality workers has been the availability of quality of life amenities. State studies have illuminated the upcoming worker shortfall. Our world has become very competitive and other areas are investing in these facilities to stimulate economic growth.

- Barry Boyer, President and CEO of Van Meter Industrial, Inc., stated, “It is essential for the future of our community that we continue to improve our recreational facilities and offer expanded venues that bring people together.”

- Mark Seckman, President of Priority One, stated, "Access to a highly skilled workforce is imperative to Priority One's ability to continue our level of success in recruiting world class companies to the Cedar Rapids area. A significant portion of these individuals will be attracted to our region based on the quality of life our community has to offer; including a strong housing market, an excellent educational system and a full array of recreational opportunities. These amenities are critically important if we hope to remain competitive in a global economy."

· PLAY’s experience while reaching out to community groups, organizations and clubs has vividly expressed the need for improved community life-based facilities.

· We have a wide variety of comments from our initial outreach efforts on January 30-31 that support the need for a community life center.

Why is PLAY a priority over the rest of the 15-in-5 Initiatives?
· PLAY’s goal of bringing a “state of the art community activities center” will serve a multi-generational, multi-cultural cross-section of Linn County residents, while providing a destination for individuals and families to be active and interact with one another. PLAY is one of the larger, more complex ‘ideas’ that will require much more effort and public input.

· PLAY in Linn County is not necessarily a priority over the other 15-in-5 initiatives, but several other ideas are either completed or are at a point where further action is needed. PLAY is not seeking a priority as much as we are seeking a broader base of area involvement.