Commission approves nearly $2 million renovation for Otis Gym and Community Center

Commissioners approved a plan to renovate the Otis Gym and Community Center, a county-owned facility acquired in 1985, after a presentation by Jasmine Sosa.

Sosa described interior and exterior improvements including new acoustic panels, kitchenette upgrades, bathroom renovations, a new HVAC system, gym floor replacement, parking improvements, ADA access from sidewalk to basketball court, playground equipment, additional picnic tables and refreshed signage. The full renovation package was estimated at about $1.99 million. Sosa said $1.0 million is currently available in facility funding and requested an additional $1.0 million from the general fund to complete the project.

Commissioners asked about playground surfacing (soft rubber mulch similar to local school installations) and shade structures; staff said the project team would consider shade elements and that ordered playground equipment and a March 2 roof-replacement start date were already in procurement or completed steps. After discussion a motion to proceed was moved, seconded and approved in the roll-call recorded in the meeting.

Next steps: staff will finalize the project budget, schedule the roof replacement beginning March 2 and proceed with architectural and engineering coordination for the gym renovation and parking/site work. The county noted some grant funding for playground equipment had been secured.