FLORENCE — An aquatic center, an ice hockey arena and a recreation center are possibilities city council members examined Tuesday night in a recreation-concept plan that would also involve the county government.

        Representatives of CDS, a Blue Ash engineering, architectural, planning and surveying company that designed the Florence Government Center, took another look at the property surrounding the center on Ewing Boulevard and Ky. 18 as the location for recreational facilities.

        Jim Warner of CDS emphasized that the new recreation concept was “a major departure from the original government center master plan” that called for other government and/or office buildings on the remainder of the property.

        The concept plan calls for a 30,000-square-foot recreation center southeast of the existing city building and the state office building, with parking just behind the center.

        North and west of the city building would be an aquatic center that would include a water playground and pool with a water slide, and a competition diving area with spectator stands.

        Next to the aquatic center, the concept plan calls for basketball and tennis courts. To the north of the courts would be a 70,000-square-foot ice hockey arena with two rinks, surrounded by parking.

        Mayor Diane Whalen and council members asked for the concept plan as a continuation of talks regarding Boone County's recreation master plan for the next 20 years.

        “We're very comfortable with the need for recreational opportunities in the city and the county, and want to work with the county in meeting those needs in the coming years,” the mayor said.

        There was no immediate estimate of cost for the proposed recreation additions, and Mrs. Whalen emphasized that the presentation was a concept that could change as needed.

        “This is one possible way it could work,” she said. “We want to sit down with the county (officials) and discuss this at length.”

        Boone County Judge-executive Gary Moore, who attended the city council meeting with county administrator Jim Parsons and members of the Boone County Fiscal Court, said he was impressed with the concept and the city's desire to move forward.

        “There is a huge commitment by the county over the next 20 years to provide new recreational facilities for our residents,” he said. “I commend the city for this effort. The services we can offer together are tremendous.”

        Mr. Moore emphasized that the concept plan was a first step, and the county would certainly have points to make as discussions continued between the two governmental agencies on how to make some of the recreational dreams come true.

        Mr. Warner also pointed out that the location has good access from Ky. 18 (Burlington Pike) and I-75, and is on a bus route.

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