Shelter Cove Community Center to Get Makeover After Grant Funds Reallocated

Shelter Cove residents can look forward to significant improvements to their Community/Evacuation Center, thanks to a decision made by the Shelter Cove Resort Improvement District (SCRID) Parks & Recreation Committee at their August 23, 2023 meeting. The committee voted to reallocate grant funds originally earmarked for a sports court to address pressing needs at the community center, including mold remediation and an interior redesign.

The decision came after a review of a community survey which gauged resident priorities for parks and recreation projects. While the survey showed relatively high interest in enhancing the golf course (3.2 out of 5 average rating) and promoting recreation and arts in nature (3.6 out of 5), the need for the Community Clubhouse upgrade (3.6 out of 5) and the low priority placed on airport enhancements (2.8 out of 5) were also highlighted. The survey, which included questions on community needs, was discussed at length by committee members Jeff Rice, Paula Holt, and Laura Bell, along with General Manager Chris Christianson. A fourth committee member was also present, although their name wasn't clearly visible in the meeting video.

Cynthia Evenson, representing the Shelter Cove Library, provided public comment emphasizing the library's vital role in the community and its many volunteer hours. She also suggested expanding community events at the library, such as movie showings and author talks, and highlighted the need for a wireless projection system. A second public comment period at the end of the meeting yielded no additional comments.

The committee's decision to reallocate the grant funds was driven by community concerns about the condition of the Community/Evacuation Center and by FAA regulations. The reallocation will enable necessary updates and improvements to the center. The four-step process for the reallocation includes review and approval by the grant administrator and RID board, gathering community input, submitting an updated plan, budget, and community support materials to the grant administrator, and finally, project commencement. Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026.

The committee will meet with the architect on August 24th to discuss the scope changes and associated costs. The committee plans to actively seek community input to ensure the project reflects resident needs. The updated plan, budget, and community support materials will then be submitted to the grant administrator for review and approval.

Residents can stay informed about the project's progress and provide feedback by checking the Shelter Cove Resort Improvement District website, https://sheltercove-ca.gov/board/, or the Shelter Cove Library's Facebook page. The survey results and further details about the Community Center renovation project will be available on these platforms. Information regarding future meetings will also be posted on the website.