Emporia puts new rec center project on pause after Tyson, Holiday Resort closures

EMPORIA (KSNT) - The City of Emporia is slowing down its progress on building a new recreation center due to several business closure announcements this week.

The Emporia Recreation Steering Committee and a city spokeswoman told 27 News on Friday, Dec. 6 that it has decided to take a step back on the new recreation center project because of the Tyson Fresh Meats and Holiday Resort closure announcements. The committee is waiting until the members "fully understand the implications".

At the regular Emporia City Commission meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18, commissioners will be able to vote on the approval of postponing the special election that was expected in March 2025.

As of now, the Recreation Steering Committee will reassess the situation in January 2025. Because of this decision, the timeline of the project's start time remains unclear. According to the Recreation Steering Committee, the start time will depend on the duration of the election delay.

Last month the Emporia City Commission decided to let the public have the final say on a new recreation center. The facility would cost taxpayers by increasing the sales tax by a half-cent. The project is expected to cost $59 million and includes renovations to the soccer fields.

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