Proposed recreation center moves forward

A rendition of the proposed Susquehanna Country Recreation Center. The SCRC took another step toward realization after its schematic design was completed. Plans are underway to formulate a cost of the project that will bring a variety of activities to the county.

Full steam ahead.

The Susquehanna County Recreaton Center board is moving on to the next phase in their quest to bring a county-based recreation facility to the area.

Hemmler and Camayd Architects of Scranton recently completed the schematic design for the project said SCRC Chair Ashley Kilmer. The schematic design presents a layout of the proposed center that will be built on property on the Mountain View School District. The SCRC will provide multipurpose and multigenerational programs or county residents and surrounding areas.

The information is being forwarded to Sordoni Construction who will put together the cost of the project so that the board can seek funding.

It’s a couple-month process, depending on schedules,” said Kilmer. “But after that we can then begin the process to seek various sources of funding.”

After the estimate is available the SCRC will look at funding opportunities with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, USDA Rural Development, and the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RAC-P) as well as private entities and local donations.

“The estimate is important because RAC-P funding is part of funding in legislation,” added Kilmer.

Currently the SCRC uses funds generated by their own fundraisers and local donations to cover the costs of providing the estimates.

One of the major fundraisers is the recently held Mystical Masquerade Ball. The annual event held November 2 raised over $51,000 for the SCRC.

“We’ve done what we’ve been able to do because of loyal businesses and community members,” noted Kilmer.

The board will also organize their community-based events for 2020 next month. In the past these programs have consisted of a bike race in Clifford, a swim event at the Elk Lake School District’s aquatic center, and a basketball tournament held at Blue Ridge High School.

The organization’s website credits local businesses such as Wilder Diamond Blades, Barhite Excavating, Summit Ridge Farms, and Southwestern Energy.  

While progress has been generated Kilmer did caution that a rumor circulating that ground for the center would be broke in the Spring of 2020 is not accurate.   

“Not sure how that got out there, but that’s a little premature at this point,” noted Kilmer.

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