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.

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“No, (Golden Bear Park) is not a dead project,” McLaughlin said.

“We still recognize the need for recreation facilities.”

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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.