Ep 84: Wahoo Rec Center & Sales Tax Vote Explained with Kevin Stuhr

Kate and Kat take the show on the road to the Wahoo Civic Center (from the game room, which used to be the old high school’s home ec room and later the weight room) to sit down with Kevin Stuhr, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Wahoo. Kevin walks us through Building Wahoo’s Future, the city’s three-phase plan for public facilities, and explains what’s on the ballot this November 3rd. In this episode: • Phase One, already underway: City Hall and the police department have temporarily relocated, asbestos has been removed from the old City Hall, and final designs are in progress to turn it into a new public safety building for police and EMS, connected to the fire department. Renovation is expected to begin in 2027. • Phase Two, the new rec center: A proposed facility on about 10.5 acres near Hackberry Park in the Dry Run Commons subdivision, land donated by JEO Investments. Plans include a larger, family-friendly aquatics area, two full-size competition courts, a fitness and wellness space about triple today’s size, an elevated walking and jogging track, and 24/7 fitness access. • The November 3rd ballot question: Voters will decide whether to extend Wahoo’s existing half-cent sales tax. It’s not a new tax and not a property tax. The current tax is paying off the Chestnut Street bonds 6 to 7 years ahead of schedule, and extending it would cover roughly a third of the estimated $27 million project. It also strengthens the city’s application for state grants like the turnback tax. • Why not just renovate? The city studied expanding at the current site in 2024. It wouldn’t meet the community’s needs and would cost about two-thirds as much as a new building, before any renovation of the existing space. • Why now: Capacity, accessibility, and functionality. The Civic Center saw about 21,000 visits in 2000 and now averages over 50,000 a year. • Connectivity: Plans to pave 10th Street with a bridge over Dry Run Creek and a sidewalk for walkers and bikers, plus a possible highway entrance. • Phase Three: The historic gym, lobby, and stage would stay. The north side of the block would make way for a new senior center, thrift store, and City Hall, which would also house the chamber and economic development office. Timestamps: • 0:00 Welcome and intro • 1:02 What is Building Wahoo’s Future? • 3:34 Phase Two and the new rec center site • 4:51 The November 3rd sales tax ballot question • 8:41 Why not renovate the Civic Center? • 10:19 Capacity, accessibility, and functionality • 14:24 A recreation hub and connecting to the community • 16:10 Upcoming chamber events • 17:21 Where to find more information • 20:00 Phase Three and the future of the Civic Center • 23:58 Sales tax and the regional impact of the rec center • 25:20 50 years of the Civic Center and planning for the next 50 Learn more: • Visit the City of Wahoo website for renderings, FAQs, and funding details • Pick up a fact sheet at the Civic Center, the library, or City Hall • Questions? Call or stop by to talk with Kevin Stuhr at the Civic Center or Melissa Harrell at City Hall • Ask Kevin for a quick tour of the Civic Center Upcoming chamber events: • Boo in Wahoo: Friday, October 30 • Merry Market: Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14 • Christmas in Wahooville: Saturday, December 5 A big thank you to Kevin Stuhr, Director of Parks and Recreation, for being our guest! Keep it local, friends!