Steering Committee Finalize Recommendation for New Emporia Rec Center

On Tuesday, June 9, the Emporia Rec Center Steering Committee finalized their plan for the remodeling of the Lee Beran Rec Center along with a potential new building west of Jones Aquatic Center. The committee unanimously approved the just under $24 million plan.

The committee came into the meeting with three options to decide upon to determine what the floor plan would be and had renderings for all three. The finalized plan was the second option.

The Rec Center will see their current natatorium be converted into a new fitness area, and the indoor turf will be removed. This will also create a new lobby for the Rec Center and also give them more space with things to repair the plumbing, replacing the roof, ventilation, improve the heating and air conditioning system, and general building repairs and painting while also repairing the parking lot.

"I'm really excited to see this project moving forward. What I appreciate most is that it's not just about building something new, it's also about investing in the current Lee Beran Recreation Center, which has served our community incredibly well for nearly 50 years," Executive Director of the Rec Center Amanda Gutierrez said. "The additional space a new facility would provide opens the door for more programs, more activities, and more opportunities for people of all ages to get involved."

For the new facility west of Jones Aquatic Center, it will have two pools and two gymnasiums, along with locker rooms, bathrooms, a commons area, and even a slide.

As part of funding, the Steering Committee kept its original plan of requesting 0.25-percent sales tax. The City Commission would have to vote on whether or not to keep the tax plan. That vote will be held on Nov. 3.

"At this stage, the City Commission isn't deciding whether the project happens, they're deciding whether the community gets the opportunity to vote on it. Ultimately, it will be the residents of Emporia who decide if this investment in our community's future moves forward," Gutierrez said.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 9:43 AM.