Plans to build Elgin’s first indoor recreation center stayed alive Wednesday night as the City Council, meeting as a committee of the whole, voted 4-3 to keep studying the issue.
The Parks and Recreation Department is recommending construction of a $20 million facility that would include an eight-lane swimming pool with decks, racquetball courts, kitchen, a fitness center, a gymnasium and meeting rooms.
Proponents of the facility said they are looking at a downtown site at Kimball Street and Grove Avenue, which would involve tearing down the historic Borden buildings.
Mayor Kevin Kelly, who wanted to put the project on hold until it’s known how much it would cost to operate the facility, said the city can’t afford to spend $20 million now. “We’re moving way too fast,” Kelly said.
Other committee members argued that city residents are in dire need of an indoor recreational facility.
City staff and park and recreation members will report after projected operating expenses are determined.