“There is some resistance for [the REC center] because it obviously raises people’s income tax; people with fixed incomes, retired people are very concerned about that,” said Dan Harris, a REC board member and advocate for the establishment.

“There is money out there to be raised, we just have to ask the right people,” Harris said.

Although there will be a slight tax increase, there are many benefits to having a recreation center.

The proposal for the REC center includes amenities like an indoor walking track, weights, cardio, a gym, and a small indoor lap pool. There would also be offices for meetings and board workers.  These costs add up potentially making it a $5 million facility.

“The school-age children are the future of our community. The kids, because this is on school property that is walkable from the [school]… we would provide after school activities for them.” Harris said. “The seniors are the very shoulders of which we stand on in this community. They are the ones that built Baldwin City… We have a senior community that is searching for things to do.”

The area would also provide a place of exercise for Baker students and families. There are plans to connect with the USD 348, Baker University, and the City of Baldwin. In fact, many Baldwin High School students are quite excited.

“I think it would make Baldwin more fun. I would also be nice to go to in the winter, especially the pool,” said senior Harley Stewart.

“Baldwin is really small and I think it would give us something to do,” sophomore Codi Thompson replies. “I would definitely use a REC center.”

Some students have concerns too, such as freshman Lindsey Toot.
“I am worried that it will not be managed well… It may not be used enough in a small town like Baldwin,” she said. “It is also controversial because it takes out of our tax money.”