About
Community & Recreation Center History
In June 2005, the Board of Commissioners appointed an Ad Hoc Group Comprised entirely of citizens who represented more than 20 community organizations. These citizen volunteers were charged with making an in-depth study of various existing rec centers, and through feedback from the segment of the community they represented, making recommendations regarding an USC recreation center.
The Group visited numerous community centers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and other locations, obtaining input from those communities about what they had done right and what they had done wrong, including particularly which elements were most important to a successful rec center. The Group then prepared a report of its findings for the Board to consider.
From May through August 2006, a Core Group comprised of 2 Commissioners, USC staff, citizen volunteers, expert consultants, and architects met weekly to develop the current recommendations for the CRC. Those recommendations represent the Core Group consensus concerning what should be included based upon projected needs for our community, cost considerations, and the expertise of the consultants.
C&RC Timeline
June 2005 - Citizens Ad Hoc Advisory Committee
In June, 2005 the USC commissioners appointed a Citizens Ad Hoc Advisory Committee of community organizations to research and identify specific facilities, equipment needs, and programs that could be used by residents of all ages from pre-school through senior citizens.
The formation of this committee was in response to the community recreation assessment contained in the township's 1995 Comprehensive Plan and to a 2004 lifestyles survey of residents that identified specific recreation needs as the first step in the 10-year update to the Comprehensive Plan.
More than 30 community organizations were contacted and asked to provide a representative to the ad hoc advisory committee, thereby ensuring full participation of the entire Upper St. Clair community. Of these, more than 20 provided representatives.
Meetings
The group's first meeting was a workshop conducted by commissioners and Township staff to overview the history of the Boyce Mayview project and the attendant Master Plan. Previously completed economic and financial considerations were discussed and the descriptions, reasoning, and requirements for the proposed referendum were explained. Additional meetings were held throughout 2005 and 2006.
- March 13, 2006
- February 13, 2006
- October 18, 2005
- October 11, 2005
- September 28, 2005
- August 24, 2005
- August 2, 2005
- July 5, 2005
- June 24, 2005
Site Visits
In July, members of the Community Recreation Center Advisory Ad Hoc Group traveled to northeastern Ohio to tour the campuses of seven operational community recreation centers. In addition, committee members visited community recreation facilities in Peters Township and also in Cranberry Township.
Report
In October 2005, the Ad Hoc Committee issued their report which included recommendations for the township to develop an integrated lifestyles campus that included an outdoor and indoor aquatic center and a wellness/fitness/social center.
2005 - Ballard*King Associates Hired
Ballard*King Associates hired to complete Financial Feasibility Study.
March 2006 - Ballard*King Associates Report
Ballard*King Report
Community Recreation Center and Aquatic Center Feasibility Study
From the Board of Commissioners introduction to the report:
"The attached document is a Feasibility Study for the development of a community recreation and aquatic center.
The Comprehensive Plan for Upper St. Clair notes the lack of a community center. This need was also identified by the citizens who participated in the development of the Master Plan for Boyce Mayview Park.
Two years ago the Board of Commissioners initiated a project to respond to these needs. After reviewing the Comprehensive Plan and citizen surveys, the Commissioners undertook to determine how similar communities satisfy the need for a community center. Many communities similar to ours meet this need with a community center that provides meeting spaces, health & wellness programs, and fitness equipment, as well as aquatic and indoor sports facilities.
To gain a greater understanding of the community center concept, the Board of Commissioners: (1) Engaged Ballard*King and Associates to provide professional advice; and (2) Invited citizens who represent different constituent groups in Upper St. Clair to form the Community Recreation Center Ad Hoc Advisory Group.
The community center concept developed by Ballard*King attempts to balance recreational needs with the need for a community center to cover many of its costs through user fees."
Final Draft Report
by Ballard*King and Associates with WTW Architects, March 2006
The complete report is 96 pages, 875KB available as a pdf
May 2006 - Boyce Mayview Land Management Plan
May 2006 Boyce Mayview Land Management Plan released.
May 2006 - Architects Hired
May 2006 Larsen Architects, WTW Architects, and EPM Architects hired to begin pre-schematic design.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES, MAY 16, 2006.
August 2006 - Concept Design Report
August 2006,Concept Design Report issued.
September 2006 - Residents invited to Update Meeting
Community Meeting September 2006
Approximately 250 people attended a community-wide meeting on September 6, 2006 held in the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre.
Members of the Board of Commissioners presented history and background of the project.
Projects reviews were given by members of the Citizens Ad Hoc Advisory Group and Ken Ballard, President of Ballard*King and Associates.
Discussion of the site and future facilities, along with a pre-schematic architecture design presentation, was led by officials from Larsen Architects, EPM Architecture and WTW Architects.
At this meeting survey forms were also distributed to residents.
October 2006 - Fee Structure Task Force
October 2006, Fee Structure Task Force created by Board of Commissioners.
May 2007 - Residents invited to Project Update
Community Meeting May 2007
The Board of Commissioners held a second community wide meeting on May 22, 2007 in the Upper St. Clair High School LGI Room in order to present updated information regarding the proposed Community Recreation Center project.
Officials from The Gateway Engineers, Larsen Architects, WTW Architects and EPM Architecture presented information on the active site area, interior floor plans, outside views, and estimated costs.
A member of the Fee Structure Task Force reviewed the background and process of determining membership fees and the Township's Finance Director described debt service costs and tax implications.
September 2007 - Bid process authorized to proceed
September 2007, Board of Commissioners authorizes bid process to proceed.
November 2007 - Bids received and considered
November 2007, Bids received and considered by Board of Commissioners
Nov. 26, 2007 Groundbreaking Ceremony
Nov. 26, 2007 - Groundbreaking ceremony held.
December 2007 - Site preparation begins
December 2007 - Site preparation begins.
2009 - Anticipated Opening
2009 - Anticipated opening of new Community Recreation Center.