Jackson focuses on offerings of soon-to-open civic center

As the Jackson Civic Center's construction edges to within a month of completion, the focus turns toward figuring out what will be the facility's offerings of programs and services.

Certain aspects of the building are scheduled to be finished as early as Friday, and staff members are receiving training in facility operations and FEMA safe-room protocols.

The center's main function will be to offer residents a place to exercise, but those involved with the project hope it also become a place to socialize and conduct business.

Jason Lipe, who will oversee the civic center's operations, said some of the facility's features, such as a coffee bar, are designed to be more than fitness-oriented.

"One of the programs we're starting will allow citizens to come and enjoy coffee while using the indoor track," he explained. "It's designed to get people in and to let them socialize as well as get some light exercise. There's not really a great place to walk indoors [in Jackson] yet, so we think that will be

really popular."

Those looking to become active can use the basketball and volleyball courts.

It won't have a weight room, but Mayor Dwain Hahs said since the project's conception, planners have drawn inspiration from successful aspects of recreational facilities in nearby towns, such as the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau or the Perry Park Center in Perryville, Missouri.

"They've tried to create something that's uniquely suited to Jackson," he said. "That way, it's a great asset that Jackson can call its own."

Lipe said probably the best example of the center incorporating best practices is the anticipated inclusion of pickleball.

"[Pickleball] is something that's becoming more and more popular in the Cape Girardeau area, and we anticipate that there will be a pretty good demand for that," he said. "Through this whole process, we've been looking at the surrounding facilities. We want to make sure that we're kind of comparable in what we offer."

They plan to test a number of more specialized courses whose viability will depend on how well the public receives them.

"We're looking at the possibility of doing some fitness classes, and that could be like a yoga class or a tai chi class," he said. "But it could also expand into something that's a little more involved, like a Zumba class or something else a little more high-impact than tai chi. We're going to take it slow and gauge it by citizen interest."

But city officials expect Jackson residents to embrace the center, as Jackson has struggled for years with a reputation of being a "bedroom community," or a city where people live but often work and play in other communities. It was something Hahs addressed during his campaign for mayor. Hahs said the Civic Center's flexible utility is expected to be a significant step toward making Jackson a more well-rounded and attractive place not only to reside, but spend time in.

"What this really means for us is the fulfillment that something Jackson has wanted to do for years -- having a civic center," Hahs said, adding the center is expected to see improvements down the line, such as computer kiosks for public access.

Lipe said another one of the plans is to extend a portion of the Hubble Creek Trail to the center.

"It should really tie in the Civic Center with the rest of our parks system," he said.

The center's business spaces will be available to rent for events such as wedding receptions, graduation parties or business meetings.

"We will have a conference room equipped with a television where people will be able to do presentations and things like that," Lipe said.

As for pricing, he said the rates haven't yet been set and approved by the Jackson Board of Aldermen, but that is scheduled to take place at its next meeting Nov. 16.

Prices in surrounding communities may suggest a range, however. The Osage Centre, for instance, costs $2 per visit for an adult, and court reservations run $15 or $25 per hour for volleyball and basketball respectively.

The center will employ from 10 to 20 part-time staff, depending on usage and reservations, in addition to a full-time manager.

The center is expected to open in early January, and Lipe said he and his staff are eager for that.

"The great thing is that Jackson has never had something like this," he said. "It's very exciting for everybody involved and something Jackson residents will be able to get really good use out of and take great pride in."

tgraef@semissourian.com

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