LAURINBURG — Scotland County Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee got a look at design ideas for a proposed recreation center in Laurinburg.
Scotland County Parks and Recreation Director Bryan Graham present three drawings to the advisory panel on Tuesday.
The preliminary designs from architect firm Oakley Collier consisted of the same main features laid out in different ways. The proposed 40,000-square-foot center, will feature an indoor pool, gym with basketball court, elevated walking track, youth game center, arts and craft rooms, multipurpose room, administration suites, classrooms, and water feature outside with slides and a pool.
Advisory member discussed what the different classrooms could be used for and if there was enough space for arts programs and other non-athletic groups to meet. They group said there should be a second basketball court to accommodate more people and team tournaments.
According to Graham, one of the designs included space for a later additions.
The push for a recreation center is not new. Local leaders have discussed the idea of a recreation center in Laurinburg for about 16 years. Supporters say that a a recreational facility in Laurinburg, is “part and parcel” of having a community that is healthy and attractive.
But funding has always been a stumbling block. County and city officials hope to involved a number of public and private entities in getting the latest version of the project off the ground.
Graham will meet in the next few weeks with the architect to finalize concepts and costs for the project.
The original idea was to keep the budget at $6 million to $8 million, but the price tag could be closer to $10 million.
“A lot of this is just preliminary,” Graham said. “When we finalize our meetings, I would like to have some conceptual drawing for you guys to see and a solid plan that we can approach different stakeholders in the community. I told Oakley Collier this is not just my project, it is the community’s project.”