Editorial

College finds expansion possible

Thursday, February 2, 2006

At last, it appears, McCook Community College has found a place to grow.

That assumption is based upon the McCook community's favorable reaction to the college's plan to construct a major, modern Activity Center on a 2.5 acre parcel of land in Kelley Park.

The site is directly north of where East Third Street intersects with East M Street. The location is bounded on the west by the Bolles Canyon Road and on the east by the Upper Shelterhouse in Kelley Park.

College officials were understandably concerned when they presented the plan last week, fearing that the public might react in a negative way. Their concern stemmed from widespread opposition to the college's earlier plan to use Weiland Field as a building site.

However, in the public's mind, there is a world of difference betweeen the two plans. The use of the Weiland Field property would have destroyed the stadium, a McCook landmark which is an important symbol of the community's heritage and spirit.

In contrast, the college will only be using a portion of Kelley Park. The vast majority of parkland -- including the swimming pool, shelterhouses, walking trail and excellent sledding hills -- will remain intact, perhaps even enhanced by the increased exposure the Activity Center will bring.

Two park facilities -- the D.A.R. Museum and the tennis courts -- will have to be eliminated. However, that will not be nearly as big a deal as it would have been in the past because the courts and the museum are no longer in use.

Another plus is that there is additional land for park development available in McCook. In fact, a memorial gift to the c0mmunity is being earmarked for park improvements.

This fortunate set of circumstances could lead to an exciting new era of growth for the college, and, in turn, the community. That's because the construction of the Activity Center will not only create a fine new site for events and activities, but it will also clear the way to turn True Hall into a center for the performing arts, and the Wrightstone Building into a place for the George W. Norris Institute of Public Service.

When the Kelley family gave parkland to the city, they specified that it be used for recreational and educational purposes. These many years later, their gift is serving its purpose nobly and well.

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