The Bluewater Gymnastics Club [BGC] has proposed three future lease options to the city, including one that would see the club buy the facility and lease the land.
In a letter to Sarnia council, General Manager Anita Small said they "spent ample time conducting a review of the market" and of the "organizations short and long term needs."
Option one would see the lease renewed for five years, option two would see the lease renewed for ten years and the gymnastics floor on the east side of the building expanded by 2,500 square feet, and the third option would see the club buy the facility and lease the land.
Small said BGC would pay a portion of the purchase price up front and remaining balance to the city over five to ten years.
She said the club would own and be responsible for all capital and operational costs from the closing date.
Small said they'd also agree to a long term rent agreement with the girls soccer association.
The facility in Lottie Neely Park was designed in partnership with the city and purposely built for recreation and competitive gymnastics programming.
While the club's 20 year lease with the city expires at the end of 2023, the group hoped a decision on its lease renewal would be reached by the end of March.
While recognizing the gymnastic facility, and nearby soccer facility, have done a lot for the community, Mayor Mike Bradley said city staff will have to make sure the asset is handled properly and there's public input on any possible purchase.
"I think it needs staff, and if they need outside help, to take a really good look at what the options are and what is in the best interest of the club and, more importantly, the taxpayers of the city, since we've invested in that asset from day one and it's served the community well," said Bradley. "But, we need to be very careful about disposing of a public asset, how it's done, how it's paid for, and how it's compensated if we go that far."
The park is also being evaluated as one of the sites for a proposed multi-use recreational facility.
"That is, I think, the prime location," he said. "I believe that project is going to be one that's slow to move forward. Only because of all the other important infrastructure commitments that we have in our ten year capital budget."
The club is expected to present its lease renewal options to council during its meeting at 1 p.m. Monday.
It's recommended council ask staff to discuss the options with the club and return with a recommendation.
