The City of Grand Junction is moving ahead with plans to construct a community recreation center following voter approval of a ballot measure to increase taxes to fund the facility.

“We are very grateful to Grand Junction voters for their support of the plan to build a community recreation center in Grand Junction,” said Ken Sherbenou, the director of the city parks and recreation department.

Sherbenou said years of community involvement through surveys, focus groups and forums helped determine the location of the center, the amenities it will offer and how the facility will be funded. That involvement will continue to play a role in the final design, he said.

The city council approved a plan to construct a community recreation center at Matchett Park. The center is expected to include a multi-sport gymnasium, fitness and weights area and indoor track as well as an aquatic center with a lap pool, leisure pool, lazy river and water playground.

Voters approved an increase in city sales and use taxes from 3.25 percent to
3.39 percent, enabling the city to increase debt up to $70 million with a repayment cost of $148.5 million to construct, equip and operate the center. Taxes on cannabis sales also will fund the facility.

The city will issue a request for proposals for architectural and engineer services. It’s expected the city council will approve contracts with the recommended firms within two to three months.

A separate request for proposals will be issued for a construction manager and general contractor. A contract with the recommended firm should come before the council within five to six months.

Design of the recreation center is expected to take about 12 months, followed by 18 months of construction. The center is expected to open late in 2025.