College gets first look at ideas for events/activities center

An artist's conception, above, of the Event/Activity Center undergoing initial planning for McCook Community College, might (WHSAMD Architects)

NORTH PLATTE -- It's a long way from getting a go-ahead, but an artists conception of a proposed Event/Activity Center for McCook Community College was presented to the Mid Plains Community College Board of Governors on Wednesday night.

Initially estimated to cost $10.5-$10.9 million, the center must first be approved by the board of governors after it decides what to do with True Hall, determines whether a facility of that size is really needed, and after it is approved by the state Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.

The design, based on a 63,415 square foot facility, includes a gymnasium and seating for approximately 2000 spectators, locker rooms, offices and conference room, lobby, concessions, commons area, weight training facility, cardiovascular and aerobics areas, classrooms, auxiliary gym, parking on the east and west sides of the building.

"This is just the next step in the process," board member Royce Norman said. "Now (College President Dr. (Michael) Chipps and (college business officer Ryan) Purdy, in concert with the physical resource team and the board, can continue review of the proposed project.

That would include a study of whether all of the spaces in the architect's proposal are really needed, and to begin identifying funding sources and strategies.

After a program statement concerning need and use for the facility is completed, the project will get another look by the board of governors before being sent to the state Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education for review. Following that, it would be up to the Mid Plains governors whether or not to proceed.

Part of the program statement will cover what to do with True Hall, with ideas such as converting it into a performing and theater arts center, using it as an auxiliary gym, tearing it down, or using it for some purpose not thought of yet.

Following the discussion, the board moved into executive session for nearly 20 minutes to discuss possible real-estate acquisition. No action was taken after it emerged from the closed session.