Mission Viejo : Recreation Center Updates Expected

The progress of negotiations between city officials and nonprofit organizations over the leasing of city-owned recreation centers will be updated at tonight’s City Council meeting.

The city has been working to lease four recreation centers in the wake of a recent report that said operating them would cost taxpayers about $1 million per year. The council has assured concerned users of the centers that the city would try to find nonprofit, recreation-oriented groups to run the facilities.

Several organizations have stepped forward, and council members asked city staff to update the status of negotiations for the recreation centers.

The Sierra recreation center, which was closed earlier this year because of dwindling attendance, is being eyed by the Boys Scouts of America. The group has talked to city officials and visited the site, which has a pool and meeting facilities. Saddleback College, two preschools and a swim school have also expressed interest in the center.

The primary candidate for the Montanoso center is the Lake Mission Viejo Assn., which maintains Lake Mission Viejo. The facility has tennis courts, a pool and spa. Other groups considering leasing the center are the Carden Academy of Basic Education and a preschool.

For the largest of the four recreation centers, the Marguerite center, city staffers are considering proposals from the YMCA and Sports Leisure Group. The latter is currently under contract with the city to run all city recreation centers.

The city is talking with the Nadadores swim club about taking over the Marguerite Aquatics Complex, where the group has trained for almost 20 years. No other organization is negotiating with the city over the facility.