Mahomet takes next steps toward building a recreational facility

Editor’s Note: This article was first published on June 9, 2021. The plans for the MAARC Center have not be finalized or funded. At this point, only the land has been purchased by the Village. The language in this article has been updated to reflect the potential for the MAARC Center.

By Will Payne

The Village of Mahomet recently purchased land in the area in which they plan to develop an indoor recreational facility. 

This plan to create this facility has been in the works for more than a decade now. In 2008, talks began about using tax-payer funds for this project, 

In 2013, the Mahomet Area Activity and Recreation Center (MAARC) was created, and their first order of business was sending out a survey to ask people about their opinions on a recreational facility. With the help of this survey, they designed a program plan and identified priorities, which led to a conceptual design.

Over the last few years, the MAARC began setting aside funds for property acquisitions. Although they did not initially have the money, the group eventually got to the stage where they could fund the project.

Dan Waldinger, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Village of Mahomet, is pleased with the Village’s purchase of land.

“I am just here to take the community feedback, and try to serve them,” said Waldinger. “Our job is to improve the quality of life through our programs and facilities. It is so important that we have those spaces in our community for many reasons.”

After the survey was completed, the MAARC created a conceptual plan in 2013 for how the new facility would look. Although these details are not final, eight years ago residents were given a glimpse into Mahomet’s plan for recreation.

The conceptual design for the MARC included both indoor and outdoor facilities, which would be available to rent. The 13,600 SF gymnasium could include courts for patrons to play basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis and batting cages. Above the court, there could be a running track.

The 3,680 SF general programs area might host groups from all around the community for banquets, summer camps, arts and crafts, and enrichment classes. At the 5,400 SF exercise area, the Village could host yoga, Zumba, and spin classes. There might also be cardio machines and free weights.

The land acquisition includes enough land for a proposed community aquatics area that features lap lanes, a zero-depth entry pool, and a slide. Swim lessons and water exercises classes could be hosted there.

Despite not being included in the 2013 conceptual design, tennis courts could be added with new survey data and community feedback and engagement. Any other additional parts added to the facility will be subject to available funding, which could include a bond referendum.

In order to make this dream become a reality, the Village has purchased 19 acres of property along South Mahomet Road, next to the Mahomet-Seymour School District land from developer Darrin Peters and Vertical Towers Partners, LLC for $600,000. However, Vertical Towers will donate $250,000 to the purchase of land, saving Mahomet key funds.

Although the land for this project is quite expensive, Waldinger believes the economic benefits that will result will make up for the high price tag. 

“There’s definitely an economic benefit,” said Waldinger. “We may be hosting a multi-team tournament, and they have to eat somewhere here in town, so they’re going to go to a restaurant nearby, get gas and all of those things.”

The estimated cost of the conceptual design will range from $14 million to $15.3 million dollars without the land acquisition cost included. Although there is not a set date in which the project will be completed, the land acquisition has been taking care of, and final plans for the project will surely be in the future.

This project could be funded from several sources, including the Village general fund, which will accumulate from property taxes and other municipal sources, alongside a bond referendum that will also take place, as voter approval is required to allocate this money. 

Federal and state government funding programs may also help to fund this project. Groups such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund provide money to local governments to develop recreation areas. 

When the Village breaks ground on this project, Waldinger hopes that people will be excited about all that will come with the facility.

“This space, both indoor and outdoor, creates social connections, improve our psychological and mental health,” said Waldinger. They make spaces where we can play, relax and destress from everyday life.”