Grove City Approves Interim Indoor Recreation Plan
Grove City officials are moving forward with a short-term solution for indoor recreation, as the long-discussed community recreation center remains years from completion.
On September 2, the Grove City Council voted 6-1 in favor of Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage’s proposal to allocate nearly $28,000 this year for recreation equipment at the former Brookpark Middle School. Parks and Recreation Director Jack Castle described the facility as a “bridge until the new community center becomes reality.”
The vote, delayed twice before, received mixed reactions. Council member Melissa Anderson cast the only dissenting vote, citing concerns about safety since the building is shared with South Western City Schools, which recently opened an enrollment center there. She suggested the city should seek a dedicated space for recreation programming.
Residents also voiced differing opinions. Parks board member Tricia Zelenak urged the city to prioritize building the permanent recreation center, while parent Mitch Curry highlighted the urgent need for expanded after-school care. “Families like mine have waited years for reliable, affordable after-school programming. The demand far outweighs the supply,” Curry said.
The city has use of up to 80% of the Brookpark building under an agreement with South Western City Schools. However, earlier this summer, Council passed an ordinance requiring approval for investments over $10,000 into the facility.
Plans for a permanent recreation center are estimated to cost around $100 million and could take at least four years to design and build, according to city officials.
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