Funds provided by the Township Council earlier this month will add space for sports and cultural activities at the Community Center.
By:Al Wicklund
MONROE — Funds provided by the Township Council earlier this month will add space for sports and cultural activities at the Community Center.
Expanded gymnasium space, an enclosed in-line skating rink, more parking space and a rehearsal home for the Mighty Oaks Players could be part of the future for the township’s Community Center.
The priorities will be established by the township’s Department of Recreation.
The Township Council, at its Aug. 7 business meeting, granted $150,000 to the Recreation Department for the improvement of the center.
Recreation Director Anthony Wilcenski said Tuesday the board is looking at a variety of plans.
“First, we have to establish a committee to look into the needs of the recreational program and the recreational needs of the community,” Mr. Wilcenski said.
When decisions have been made on needs, the Recreation Department will turn to township Engineer Ernie Feist for the design stage, he said.
“Then, we’ll present our plans and thoughts to the Township Council,” Mr. Wilcenski said. “The council has to approve the projects before money can be spent.”
He said the current Community Center on Monmouth Road, now 7 years old, provides 15,000 square feet of floor space. It’s an area being outgrown by the center’s programs.
A possible addition to the current building and the addition of parking-lot space have to be considered, he said.
“The first priority probably will be consideration of the best ways to enlarge our gymnasium area. After that, I believe we’ll want an improved workout area with a weightroom, something like a health spa,” Mr. Wilcenski said.
The department also wants to put a roof over the outdoor in-line roller skating rink.
“We will be looking at other options for work on the rink, including the possibility of such things as walls and heat,” he said.
Another top priority is a rehearsal area for the Mighty Oaks Players Community Theatre group.
“They’ll continue to use the Richard P. Marasco Center for Performing Arts at Monroe High School for their productions, but they need a place to meet and rehearse,” he said.
The department’s advisory committee also will be asked to look at possible rooms for art exhibitions and various other displays.