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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Nearly 50 community and TRAC members came out to the first community meeting in regards to the Two Rivers Activity Center Project.

The purpose of the meeting was to inform the public better on the plans of TRAC and the future economic impact it would have. TRAC member Mike Gee stated that it all started with gymnastics.

“We talked with the Jamestown School’s on the possibility of a new gymnastics center and now here we are.” Mike stated.

The total cost of the center would be around $40 million to build, but that has been broken up into two phases. The first phase will cost roughly $28 million and will rely on a 1% city sales tax and donations, gifts, and grants for funding. TRAC member Amy Walters stated that the center will benefit a wide range of people.

Once the facility is built, Jamestown Parks and Recreation would take full responsibility for the building in both management and programming. Much of the current staff at the James River Family Fitness Center will also be transferred to the new facility and other jobs would be created. University of Jamestown staff Polly Peterson stated that the center would also meet the growing demand for space from University athletes.

While there was support for the center, there was also questions on if the center was needed and if it met all the needs of the community. TRAC plans to hold more community meetings to better gauge how the public feels about the project and will announce dates as they are established.

If the 1% sales tax is approved during a special voting period in May, construction could begin as soon as this summer. The building will be located behind Gussner Elementary School and will provide multi-courts, indoor track, and day care.

More information about TRAC can be found at tracjamestown.org or on facebook.