YOUNGSVILLE, Louisiana — Bidding for the long-awaited Youngsville multipurpose sports complex is scheduled to take place in October.
Three members of the Youngsville City Council voted to move forward with bidding for the full $6.6 million proposed project as opposed to three scaled-down models presented at Thursday meeting.
Architect Mark Lalande presented three scaled-down models to the council that would eliminate approximately $2 million from the project's cost.
Two of the features eliminated in the scaled-down models were a basketball court and the administration building.
The Advocate reports (http://bit.ly/199MXAD ) the council voted to go with the full project, which will two basketball courts, a multipurpose recreation center and administration building.
"They had to determine what their budget was," Lalande said. "When we do a project, we don't produce a one-shot deal. We create systematic options. Today, they authorized me to go forward with the full scope."
Some of the funding is coming from a 1-cent sales tax voters approved in 2011.
The complex as planned will also feature baseball fields, soccer fields and basketball courts as well as a playground, tennis courts and recreation center.
"Ultimately, I hoped they'd build the whole thing," Youngsville Mayor Wilson Viator said. "I really just wanted two basketball courts. I think they did the right thing in doing the whole ball of wax. We'll make it happen."
Councilwoman Dianne McClelland said the recreation center should be the focal point of the project.
"I think the community will be able to enjoy the rec center and that will be the hub of the complex," McClelland said. "It will provide many more activities for the community than the baseball fields or tennis courts."
Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com
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