Proposition B in the City of Mansfield's upcoming bond election calls for $78 million to design and construct a joint recreation center and library. The proposed facility is planned to be built on 12 acres of city-owned property on the northeast corner of US 287 and East Broad Street, near StarCenter Mansfield and the Shops at Broad and along the Walnut Creek Linear Trail for additional access.
A recreation center with fitness and aquatics was the top-priority project to come out of the 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, as determined by a needs assessment and two years of public engagement. Based on that demand, the city conducted a feasibility study beginning in May 2021. A steering committee of residents, city leaders, staff and experts met for nine months to combine their expertise and ideas with resident feedback – gathered through surveys, meetings and engagement efforts – to determine what amenities should be included in the proposed facility. During that process, the plan was developed to combine both a recreation center and a library into one shared space for a more efficient use of resources and greater opportunities for community bonding. Both the Mansfield Public Library and the Mansfield Activities Center (MAC) were built in 2001, when Mansfield's population was around 28,000. Today, Mansfield has an estimated population of approximately 76,000.
The proposed joint recreation center and library is expected to have spaces for fitness (cardio and weight equipment, classroom spaces, a gym and an indoor track), aquatics (an indoor pool, slides, a lazy river, lap lanes and play elements) and a library (collections for all ages and subject groups, study spaces and program rooms) all in one building. It is also planned to include shared community spaces, including an indoor playground, a makerspace, a 300-person event hall, meeting and party rooms, a large deck and an outdoor amphitheater.
If voters approve Proposition B, the city's next steps would include creating the final building design and confirming the amenities that will be featured in the facility.
Bond proceeds would finance the design and construction of the proposed facility, but operating costs such as utilities, staffing, maintenance and upgrades would need to be offset by fees from those who use the facility’s services.
A feasibility study determined the recreation center could have resident fees of approximately $65 per month for families of up to six people, $35 per month for adults and $20 per month for children and seniors. Non-residents would be able to use the facility but would likely pay higher rates. However, final fees would not be determined until after the final design is complete. Additional considerations, such as sliding scale rates, group discounts and day passes would all be evaluated during that process. When a fee schedule is determined, it would go to the City Council for approval. The library, indoor playground, makerspace and outdoor gathering spaces would not have membership fees.
If voters approve the proposed joint recreation center and library, the design process could begin immediately and the facility could be completed in four years. At that time, Mansfield Public Library and MAC recreation operations would move to the new facility. The existing library is planned to be repurposed. Those plans would be discussed further and finalized if voters approve Proposition B.
With a total project cost of $78 million, the proposed project's anticipated maximum property tax rate impact on Mansfield homeowners is currently estimated to be $5.38 per $100,000 of assessed value per month. That means, should voters approve Proposition B, the owner of a $300,000 home in Mansfield would pay a maximum of $16.14 per month in additional property taxes.
Visit mansfield2022.com to learn about all five bond election propositions and their potential tax rate impacts. If you have a question about Proposition B, please email us at mansfield2022@mansfieldtexas.gov and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
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