Saline Rec Center Implementation Team Formed

Saline Recreation Center. Photo by Sue Kelch

Saline City Council created an implementation team for the Saline Recreation Center at its March 16 meeting. The Center has been a topic of discussion for the council since late 2023, when initial breaks in the building’s HVAC system led to closures and multiple repairs. Another task force was established last year to research the history and economic impact of the Center and presented recommendations to Council.

“The previous task forces were talking about strategy,” Mayor Brian Marl said. “The strategy and opportunities have already been established. So, this group is working with staff and stakeholders to implement the recommendations that were articulated this past December, and then to assist staff with a comprehensive report this coming June.”

The new implementation team will consist of a variety of local community members, including council representatives, local school board members and Rec Center employees. Council member Tramane Halsch, who will be on the team, stated he wanted the funding and scope of the project to be “a little bit more clear, especially around operational growth strategy.”

“I believe that there are going to have to be some hard choices made as it relates to how we grow operationally and how we make sure that the Rec Center is continuing to provide value and is set on a path not just of financial sustainability, but a culture of excellence and operational excellence,” he said.

According to Mayor Marl, Council will hopefully be prepared to make a decision regarding the Rec Center by summer of 2026. The implementation team was created via a 6-1 vote by Council.