When the Bridgeport City Council announced that one of its strategic goals was to begin the process of building a new indoor recreation complex, many in the community were happy. Some, however, saw it simply as “pie in the sky” and that it would never happen.

 

Bridgeport City Manager Kim Haws, however, emphasized that the project – in some scale – is definitely in the works. In fact, a meeting was held Monday to set the parameters of the project with various city staff after it was learned that land from Charles Pointe will likely be made available to the city.

 

“Whether that land actually comes to the city is not in our control, but I think based on the actions the (Harrison) County Commission took last week in approving issuance of those bonds that you’ll see the land acquired by the city,” said Haws.

 

The land is 27 acres that is under the ownership of the Charles Pointe Development. It is situated directly across from the Bridgeport Recreation Complex and city officials have stated that the site would be ideal for a recreation complex. However, the city also was considering utilizing land it owns at the Recreation Complex that was a much smaller parcel in the event the bond issue wasn’t approved by the Commission.

 

Now, it appears that barring something unforeseen the land will be available thanks to the action of the Harrison County Commission.

 

The Commission voted Jan. 8 to move $8 million in bonds to support overall development at Charles Pointe. The 2-1 vote – Commissioner Bernie Fazzini voted against it – allow for an order authorizing the ability to go to the market to fill the requirements of the loan paid back through the requirements set up by Charles Pointe’s defined Tax Increment Financing area.

 

According to MetroNews, funds from the bond will set the stage for the 27 acres of land to be purchased and given to the City of Bridgeport for development. The development would be for the recreation complex.

 

“Those parcels will be purchased free and clear of all liens and any other debt,” Commission Mike Romano told MetroNews. “No matter what happens at Charles Pointe, whether it goes on to be the greatest development in West Virginia or it fails, the City of Bridgeport or the county will continue to own those parcels free and clear.”

 

Not long after the Commission had approved the matter, Haws set up the meeting this past Monday. He said the planning will focus on the 27 acres that should become available, but will also look at planning for the land the city already owns.

 

“Until such time as the city officially owns the land, we’d be foolish not to at least consider something for the land that we already have, although a much smaller parcel, in the event something happens,” said Haws. “I can tell you that we’re very serious about this and the vote by the County Commission tells me they’re more than serious about getting that land and that’s what we hope will happen.”

 

So what was discussed Monday?

 

Haws said there was no discussion on what the facility will hold. However, Haws said that in discussions, which included Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton and Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth that everything is initially on the table.

 

“Primarily it was an internal meeting on how do we proceed in meeting the strategic goal that’s been set by Council,” said Haws. “We have some very early concepts in place so we’re not three of four months behind if and when the land becomes available, but let me be very clear in safely saying the city plans on constructing an indoor recreation complex.”

 

The question, until the land would be transferred, is where (other sites beyond the Recreation Complex could be considered) and to what magnitude. The second question will at least partially be determined by the first.

 

“If the property from the recreation complex becomes available, you have the ability for a larger complex than if we would opt to use the land we currently own. Ultimately, what the size of the facility will entail and what it will include will be determined by the kind of financial package developed to make this happen,” Haws said.

 

Regardless of the financial package, Haws said neither he nor anyone involved – nor should anyone in the public – be under the assumption that an indoor recreation complex will be a money maker. Like the swimming pool, it’s going to be an amenity that will have to be subsidized.

 

“In all my years of city management, even before Bridgeport, I’ve never been involved with a recreation facility that pays for itself whether it’s a pool or a park,” said Haws. “That’s why nearly every pool or park is run by a government entity because the private sector can’t make money off of them.”

 

Haws said the reality is that the city will never recoup whatever initial investment is put up and that taxes produced by visitors or others utilizing the facility would only offset operational and maintenance costs.

 

“It’s something the city will have to support and sustain over the years, which is why a buy-in from the community is important. Honestly, in my 16 years here the number one thing requested on every survey and talked about as a need by city staff is this complex,” said Haws. “The community is about to get it.”

 

Haws said the community will also be involved. He said as the process moves forward there will be community meeting for input. He said there will be no way to meet everyone’s wishes, but that all input will be scrutinized.

 

Those meetings, when scheduled, will be announced on Connect-Bridgeport.com.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows P&R Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth near the area where 27 acres could soon become available for an indoor recreation complex, while City Manager Kim Haws is shown below.