Proposed rec center eyes Blue Ridge site

The proposed Susquehanna County Recreation Center is still in need of a location and the Blue Ridge School District agreed to explore the possibility of bringing the center to district land.
Ashley Kilmer and Terry Weiss presented information to the school board at a workshop meeting held Monday, Oct. 24.
Two years ago, Blue Ridge was one of several school districts and municipalities who provided “seed money” as the idea of a community recreation center began to develop.
Kilmer told the board that since that time, the idea has snowballed and gained momentum. “Our community needs a nucleus that we don’t yet have,” she said.
Kilmer said studies would be used to “make sure we build a facility that is right for the county. We want as much input as we can get.”
Three potential locations have been offered up for the rec center board to explore: in New Milford Borough, Susquehanna Borough and the Mountain View School District. The New Milford site is in a flood plain, Kilmer said.
The center, still in the conceptual stage of development, would include courted and turf areas, with a walking track, as well as additional space. “We want to make it as flexible as possible,” she said.
But before the project can proceed with studies, as well as grant and loan applications, the group needs to know where it is going, Weiss told the board. And along the Interstate 81 corridor was determined to be ideal, according to preliminary data gathered.
Board member Chris Whitney said she would like the district to pursue the matter, and the board and administration was in agreement to have district solicitor John Audi proceed with getting more information on how an agreement could be structured.
The next Blue Ridge school board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m., in the elementary school cafeteria.