LUDINGTON — After more than two years of study, a final report on the feasibility of developing a community recreation facility to serve Mason County residents of all ages has been completed. The 125-page report, prepared by PROS Consulting, is available for review and to be used by public and private leaders, organizations, and entrepreneurs considering recreational projects in the community.
“We are grateful for the time, insight, and preferences shared by community members throughout this process,” Andrea Large, executive director of the Community Foundation for Mason County and member of the steering committee said. “Their input has been essential in sharing the community’s needs and priorities. The committee hopes this study will serve as a valuable resource for guiding community planning and shaping future projects throughout the county.”
“This study is an incredible tool for anyone invested in the future of Mason County,” said Brandy Miller, president/CEO of the Chamber Alliance of Mason County. “The insights collected reflect a strong desire for more inclusive recreational spaces and present exciting opportunities for collaboration across sectors.
In the fall of 2022, the Community Center Exploration Committee (CCEC) was established to assess the feasibility of developing a community recreation facility that enhances health, wellness, and recreational opportunities for Mason County residents of all ages. To guide this effort, the CCEC hired PROS Consulting to conduct a feasibility study examining local market conditions, operational costs, potential revenue streams, staffing needs, and optimal programming.
The study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of existing amenities and assets, identifying gaps and opportunities to enhance and complement recreational offerings in Mason County. The CCEC’s role was to gauge community interest in a potential facility and programming or enhancement of existing recreational facilities and programs in Mason County.
The findings are intended to inform community planning efforts and highlight opportunities for innovation and investment. The full report can be read at https://mason-foundation.org/feasibility-study-for-multigenerational-community-center/.
Highlights of the survey results include:
1. Strong Community Support – 83% of survey respondents support the development of a new indoor multigenerational community center, with 60% being “very supportive” and 23% “somewhat supportive.”
2. High Demand for Social and Recreational Spaces – 77% of respondents believe a multigenerational community center should include social gathering spaces, and 76% agree that Mason County needs more fitness, recreation, and social opportunities. The report notes kids, youth, and adults could enjoy volleyball, pickleball, tennis, soccer, and basketball in spaces that could be easily changed to accommodate other sports and recreational uses.
3. Comprehensive Programming Plan – The potential center should offer diverse programs including sports, fitness and wellness, aquatics, senior activities, cultural arts, indoor events, childcare, and public health services. Core programs identified include: sports; fitness/wellness; aquatics; seniors; cultural arts; indoor special events; child watch/childcare; and public health/community-based programs.
4. Opportunities for Collaboration and Economic Impact – The feasibility study underscores the potential for collaboration between local governments, schools, healthcare providers, and private businesses.
Currently, no local entity has taken on creating, operating, and funding a center such as studied.
However, the report contains a wealth of information about what the center might include, how it could be funded, and operational considerations. PROS Consulting used community input from surveys and focus groups to determine what the community wanted and information from similar communities with potentially similar facilities to determine potential costs and funding options.
Details are included in sections on Programming and Operational Plan with discussion of stakeholder engagement, operational and funding strategies (a mix of user/membership generated fees, partnerships and potentially millage), Market Analysis and a Financial Plan that look at a core program plan with a revenue model and assumptions used in its development.
The results of the community survey, demographic and recreational trends, sponsorships, maintenance standards, and partner identification are addressed in the appendices.
“Community health is built through connection, access, and opportunity,” said Kaley Petersen, senior director of Community Health Impact at Corewell Health. “Whether through shared spaces, collaborative programs, or inclusive services, the vision for Mason County is one where health and well-being are woven into the fabric of everyday life—for every generation. We look forward to seeing how this information is used to guide future development and community-focused projects, creating a culture of wellness and connection throughout our community.”
The research has already been used by West Shore Community College’s recreational task force as it looks at its options to offer at the college.
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