During policy and planning Tuesday, the Pella City Council received a presentation about initial concepts for a new indoor recreation center that would be operated by the City of Pella.

As the 2022 construction season approaches, an update to the community’s long-term facilities plan is under development, and the primary focus over the past several months has been on the future of the Pella Community Center. Earlier this summer, the council informally elected to explore the potential for recreation needs to be addressed separately from the arts in future building or renovation possibilities. No formal action has been taken on any potential community center or rec center project, and none was taken Tuesday.

Initial concepts include:
 Three gyms with seating
 One multi-purpose gym
 Cardio workout area and exercise studios
 Six lane competition swimming pool
 Zero entry recreation swimming pool with
splash pad, waterslides, and party rooms
 Indoor walking track
 Rock climbing wall and kid’s play zone
 Childcare, kitchen, restrooms

City Administrator Mike Nardini says the proposed indoor recreation facility project could cost between $25 million and $50 million, if located on the north side of the Pella Sports Park and University Street is extended east to 250th Avenue to accommodate the new development. Depending on the scope, the project could also include additional outdoor fields and parking on the south side of the current Pella Sports Park complex. Nardini says the projected cost of the Indoor Recreation Center is entirely dependent on the amount of private contributions, of which the city currently expects significant support. The proposed concepts are similar in size and uses to facilities constructed over the past decade in Waukee, Indianola, and Marion.

According to a memo sent to the council, the City of Pella has identified a lack of indoor recreation opportunities currently exists within the community, and staff says the need is especially apparent during the winter months. As part of this process, council is identifying potential revenue sources and financing options for any facilities updates. Those options would also include potential renovation of the current Pella Community Center or potential new construction of a performing arts facility, in addition to this proposal for a rec center.

Click here to read the proposal and hear the presentation made to the Pella City Council below: