New poll: Does Prairie Village need its own community center?

A rendering of the proposed community center from the consultant’s report showing the inside of the gym.

With a unanimous vote Monday, the Prairie Village City Council ended speculation about whether residents could expect construction of a huge natatorium and community center on the municipal grounds anytime soon.

A consultant’s report had identified a $45 million structure with a competitive swimming facility as the option that would best differentiate a Prairie Village center from those already available in neighboring communities. But the City Council found that, without major financial support from potential partners like Johnson County Parks and Recreation or the Shawnee Mission School District, such a facility was financially unfeasible.

In the wake of that decision, we’re wondering whether Prairie Village residents think there is still demand for a center — either privately or publicly developed — for non-swimming uses, like workout facilities and meeting spaces. (A survey sent to city residents in 2009 as part of the Parks Master Plan found two-thirds of residents supported the development of such a facility).

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