Civic center survey results come in
The Lee Civic Center was known as a place where the country’s best performers would come to do concerts and other shows.
And if Lee County officials listen to residents, it may be that once again with money and work.
Lee County released the results of its survey seeking input on the future of Lee Civic Center, with most of the 4,200 who responded saying they would like to see the Civic Center to again be a concert venue, with perhaps an amphitheater.
Mack Young, director for Lee County Parks & Recreation, said the idea was to hear from residents on what they would like to see happen to the complex.
“We sent out one survey and got thoughts from the 4-H people and sent out another one. Last week’s meeting was meant to bring those surveys up to show them what the results were,” Young said in August.
A concert venue and amphitheater was the top vote-getter, with more than 2,500 responding they would like to see musical acts return there, which they weren’t able to after the bleachers were condemned years ago.
Nearly half wanted to see the county add barns, stables and a rodeo arena and to have the 4-H presence at the fair continue, with maybe a permanent location for them at the complex.
“We are a big supporter of the 4-H Club and we want to make sure we take care of them and make the Civic Center a long-term home for them,” Young said.
Among other amenities suggested were a walking/running loop, playground, horse trails, athletic fields, and a community garden, among other things.
Respondents said they do not want the site to be razed and rebuilt, rather to make the fixes and updates required to the main building.
Young said the first thing they need to do is address the life-threatening and serious issues at the facility.
“Once we figure out what we want to see there from the surveys, we will go to work to make this a very nice place,” Young said. “Years ago, the Civic Center hosted a lot of events and concerts, and hopefully we can get it back to something like that.”
They also said they want some operations revamped but keep the shows and the fair and 4-H activities.
Among the concerns residents had included the traffic on Bayshore Road and State Road 31, neighboring properties having to deal with noise generating activities, and even the possibility of turning the Civic Center into a storm shelter.
The results of the survey will be brought before the Board of County Commissioners for a workshop, Young said.
NFMNL
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com