Still some optimism for Golden Bear Park
If you build it, they will come. That was the message given by
Recreation Commissioner Dan McLaughlin at the South Lake Tahoe
Lodging association Meeting last Thursday.
“No, (Golden Bear Park) is not a dead project,” McLaughlin said.
“We still recognize the need for recreation facilities.”
The Joint Powers Agreement includes representatives from the city,
county, school district, Lake Tahoe Community College and Tahoe
Paradise Park. The JPA will host four meetings to consider a Recreation
Master Plan. El Dorado County has contributed $50,000 for a study
to pinpoint Tahoe’s recreational shortcomings. According to McLaughlin,
all parties involved believe the project needs to be put on a
fast track.
“The USA Volleyball Association is willing to host their national
championships here, if we have the facilities,” he added. “They
are even willing to organize youth volleyball leagues.”
If Tahoe is to improve its economy, McLaughlin said, the community
must figure out what kind of tourists to target. There are a number
of organized recreation groups who would rather play in Tahoe
than at home.
“We are in the business of recreation,” McLaughlin said.
South Tahoe residents also are expected to benefit from more recreational
facilities. Local soccer teams are full to capacity because they
lack the field space.
“It’s the at-risk youth that is probably left out,” he said.
In other news, the Department of Recreation has approved a draft
proposal for the South Tahoe Ice Center. The City Council is slated
to review that on May 19. Bids will then be accepted.
The Joint Powers Association is hosting four facilitated meetings
for the creation of a Recreation Master Plan. All meetings are
open to the public.
— Friday, June 12, at 5 p.m. at Tallac Vista. Areas to be covered
– Recreation needs update, goals and policies update and existing
facilities update.
— Tuesday, June 23, at 5 p.m. at Tallac Vista. Subject to be
covered – Opportunities and constraints analysis.
— Wednesday, July 29, at 5 p.m. at Tallac Vista. Subjects to
be covered – Construction, maintenance and administration needs;
cost and financing services.
— Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe City
Council Chambers. Public hearing and presentation of Recreation
Master Plan and implementation steps.

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