ADRIAN — The Adrian school board will decide later this month whether to place a bond proposal for a community recreation facility on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The board discussed the proposal at its June 9 meeting and will take action on June 23.

The proposal would be for an 0.75-mill levy that would raise about $27.5 million. That millage rate would represent about $75 per year in property taxes for the owner of a house valued at $200,000.

The recreation facility would be built adjacent to Adrian High School, just north of the performing arts center. It would be designed as a year-round space for health and wellness, sports, recreation, fitness, performing arts, and community events.

The proposal follows a facilities assessment in 2024, during which the district identified a need for additional spaces to support recreational and community activities for both students and residents. 

“Many communities have built similar facilities, enriching the lives of residents and fostering a sense of community pride. This is Adrian’s opportunity to create something meaningful for our residents and students,” athletic director Chad O’Brien said. 

After holding public forums earlier this year, the district conducted polling to determine if there was sufficient community support to warrant placing the proposal on the ballot.

“Based on the feedback from our community engagement, it has been determined that there is support to take this proposal to the voters,” superintendent Nate Parker said.

The facility would be an approximately 87,000-square-foot steel frame building, roughly the size of a football field, would stand 50 feet high, slightly taller than the existing gym it would be next to. The inside of the building would have a 60-yard turf field; three multipurpose courts that could be used for basketball, volleyball, pickleball and tennis; a track that the community could use for running or walking; a 3,000-square-foot fitness center; a golf simulator; batting cages; a 2,500-square-foot common area; and a secure entrance with space for concessions and a reception area.  

In his report to the board, Parker listed the benefits the proposed community facility would provide to the school and community including: an affordable option for community health and wellness available to all district residents; pickleball; volleyball; basketball and tennis courts; recreation and travel tournaments; economic impact for local businesses; additional practice space, particularly for the cheer and dance teams; space for marching band practice and band camp; off-season workouts for all sports; increased youth recreation space and programming; year-round training opportunities for all students; and options for indoor practices during poor weather.  

“The number of participants in our youth recreation programs continues to grow every year and every season,” community recreation director Toby Ernst stated. “This facility will help to support and expand those programs for our youth, but will also offer an affordable option for adults in our community to enhance their health and wellness.” 

Construction costs are estimated at between $22 million and $27 million. The district is projecting yearly operating costs of $350,000, to be covered by hosting tournaments and events as well as through membership and rental fees.

If the school board gives its approval on June 23, the proposal will go before voters on Nov. 4.