SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Nearly 600 people recently participated in a survey issued by Chambliss King Architects, an Alabama based architecture firm, to determine what the community wants in a city-operated recreation department.
Representatives from Chambliss King said approximately 9,000 surveys were mailed inside of Sylacauga Utilities Board statements, and over 2,000 were emailed out using the Sylacauga Parks and Recreation email database. The survey was also available on social media. Although only 593 surveys were completed, the architecture said it was pleased with the number of responses given the extent of the survey.
Of the 593 completed, 76% of those surveyed said they live in Sylacauga, and 49% said they use Sylacauga Parks and Recreation facilities frequently.
The results of the survey fell in line with what many have been vocal about for over a year, with 60% of surveys mentioning the need for a pool, both indoor and outdoor, and new complexes for sports such as baseball, softball and soccer.
Once surveys results were released, the firm went through six location options, five of which are owned by the city.
- The field across from State Farm Albia Steers – 25 acres
- Current location of the J. Craig Smith Community Center – 5 acres
- The Donald J Comer complex – 120+ acres
- Lake Louise – 120 acres
- The former Food World building on Main Ave.
- Hwy. 280 across from Chick-fil-A – 52 acres (not currently owned by the city).
The firm discussed the pros and cons of all locations, but stressed that all rec facilities do not have to be located in the same location.
Next steps include am additional meeting between the project’s steering committee in November, and a public meeting for further input and discussion to also be held in November.
