Update on Lubber Run Community Center

On Thursday, April 30, the County Board adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Operating Budget, which was revised to reflect significant anticipated revenue losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Several proposed expenditure enhancements in the originally proposed FY 2021 budget were removed, including the funding needed to open Lubber Run Community Center. As a result, the center will not open in fall 2020 as originally scheduled. 

 

The FY 2021 Adopted Budget does include $375,000 in new funding for Lubber Run Community Center and Park for maintenance and operations of the expanded outdoor features, as well as minimal utilities and maintenance for the interior of the building while it remains closed. This is a $1.2 million savings from the original FY 2021 Proposed Budget request of approximately $1.6 million to open and operate the facility.  

 

The opening of Lubber Run Community Center is delayed until sometime after July 2021, which is the start of the new fiscal year (FY 2022).  

 

The FY 2021 budget will be revisited frequently throughout the fiscal year as the County continues to monitor revenue projections and the long-term impacts of COVID-19. 

 

Next Steps for Lubber Run 

 

Despite the pandemic, construction continues on the new Lubber Run Community Center and Park. Crews are working to finish the exterior copper cladding installation and the bio-retention pond. Soil for the new park is starting to be installed and concrete pathways in the park are being poured.  

 

Indoors, the basketball hoops in the new gymnasium have been hung and it’s time for the indoor track surfacing installation.  The new customer service area is almost finished, and lighting and cabinetry is installed throughout the building.  You can view the most recent construction pictures on the project website here. View the project progress in its entirety by visiting the Lubber Run timeline. 

 

The new building and park are scheduled to be completed in summer 2020. The good news is that the park and its amenities including playground equipment, pickleball and basketball courts, and open grassy area, will open for public use when completed as long as our park system has reopened by that time. If not, access to the new park amenities will coincide when County parks reopen.  

 

Thank you for your understanding as we work together to get through these unprecedented times. We will continue to keep you posted on construction as well as the planned opening date for the center.  Be safe and be well.