PLAY in Linn County Website Statement
 
Saturday, July 5, 2008

The June 2008 flood devastated significant portions of the Cedar Rapids metro area and Linn County. Our thoughts are first and foremost with those who have suffered loss. We grieve with those who have lost what they cherished most, whether homes, photo albums, pets, or the places where those memories happened. We understand the uncertainty of what lies ahead. In these dark times, the nation and the world are viewing one of our greatest strengths – our community pride as we pull together to begin the recovery process.

This goal of enhancing our community is what originally sparked the idea for a Community Life Center - to be a place for people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds can gather to share life experiences, to embrace wellness and enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Prior to this devastation, the public showed overwhelming support for this project. Stakeholder meetings, a needs assessment survey and public open house sessions completed the Input Collection and Findings portion of the study. This has enabled our team to develop a Space Area Program, which in turn has provided us with the remaining criteria to move forward with the very important site selection. We are now prepared to present preliminary recommendations in the form of Conceptual Design Alternatives, which will be supported by construction costs and operational costs.

Understandably, our community’s focus right now is in assessing the damage and restoring the infrastructure to a type of normalcy present prior to this tragic event. Please stay tuned for the Open House process to be resumed in the near future, and thanks for your interest and involvement in this project.