Community Center Feasibility Study
Project Summary:
Responding to broad and persistent interest from many quarters, the city initiated and is now wrapping up a Community Center feasibility study. Although no decision has been made to build a Community Center, the feasibility study has helped determine “what” type of facility the community may want, assessed the marketability of such a facility, and projected potential construction and operating costs.
In July 2011, Barker Rinker Seacat (BRS), a Denver-based firm hired to conduct the feasibility study, outlined its recommendation to residents and the City Council.
The Feasibility Study included:
Public Process: A series of public meetings to provide residents with the opportunity to weigh in on the potential Community Center. (Please click on the “Timeline” tab above for details.) Focus groups were also used during the latter part of the feasibility study to “test” design concepts. Focus group participants were randomly selected to produce statistically valid results.
Market Analysis: One of the most important aspects of the feasibility study is the market analysis. The consultants analyzed the service area, including Sammamish and surrounding areas, to better understand the recreation market – what programs, services and facilities currently exist, both public and private? What does the market indicate we need more of? What programs and services should not be duplicated? What could we offer that would complement the existing market? What is the appropriate price point for programs and services to achieve our cost recovery goals? Answers to these questions helped develop a financial operating model and concept plan for a future facility.
Facility Concepts: As the market analysis and the public process coalesced, a unique vision for a Sammamish facility started to develop. The vision was explored during the public process using concept drawings and 3D imagery. Space planning, orientation of rooms, location of the amenities, and the overall flow of the facility was studied. The consultants developed three facility concepts during the feasibility process with the goal of working towards developing a preferred concept plan for Sammamish.
Site Analysis: The consultants prepared a “test fit” for each of the concept drawings on the three potential sites short listed by the Council. Through public meetings, focus groups and finally a resolution passed by City Council, the Kellman site has been selected as the preferred site for further investigation.
Cost Analysis: The cost of construction and operations was discussed throughout the feasibility study to aid in decision making and prioritization of programming and facility concepts. The final feasibility report will include a summary of anticipated construction costs and operating costs. In addition, the price for services and a fee strategy will be included.
Final Report: A final report will be presented to City Council sometime in early 2012. The report will summarize all of the work and analysis done during the feasibility study. It will also feature a final concept plan, including programming recommendations and information about construction and operating costs. Should the project move forward into additional phases, the final report will serve as a road map for funding, potential partnerships, design and construction.
Project Budget: A total of $6.3 million was allocated in the 2011-12 Biennial Budget for the Sammamish Community Center project. A portion of this amount (approximately $200,000) will be used to fund the feasibility study. The additional amount is a “placeholder,” and the specific use has not been determined.
The total construction cost of a Community Center will depend on the size and scope of the preferred option. City officials and staff visited numerous existing facilities before the feasibility study began. The least expensive facility they saw – featuring both a community center and a pool – was in Federal Way. In today’s dollars, it would probably cost about $25 million to build. Depending on what is proposed, the estimated cost of a Sammamish facility could be substantially more than that. A consideration of funding options will be part of the decision-making process.