Brick is ripe for community center Study lays out plans for facility that has something for everyone BY PATRICIA A. MILLER Staff Writer If you build it, they will come. Brick Township's diverse age population has enough discretionary income to support a multitude of recreational and social programs in a community center, according to an updated feasibility study. That's one of the conclusions in the study, done by KBA Architecture, Millville. "With quality management, aggressive marketing and thorough oversight, Brick Township has the opportunity to create a firstclass facility that is both the centerpiece of the community and operationally solvent for many years to come," the report states. Brick's current and future demographics point to a need for more hockey, soccer, swimming and senior facilities, the report states. Brick's population grew from 76,119 at the time of the first report almost five years ago to almost 83,500 by June 2006. The township's population grew by nearly 29 percent over the past 20 years. And the township is also "growing young," according to the report. Those 55 and older make up 35 percent of the total number of residents, but those under 25 account for 53 percent of the total population. KBA recommends that the entire center should be contained within a 145,000 to 170,000 square foot single or multi-level building. The Brick school district is "limited" when it comes to recreational facilities and must rely on other facilities and locations, some outside of the township, according to the report. "The limited access to these facilities forces team members to commute to and from the facilities at odd hours of the day or night," the report states. "This raises many questions concerning liability for the school system and the safety of the participants. And those changing demographics have led to a dramatic increase in ice hockey participation. "The need for ice time is a growing problem for a number of communities n not only in support of ice hockey programs, but also for figure and open skating programs," the report states. KBA recommends the township have two regulation size indoor ice rinks, locker room areas and seating totaling 47,500 square feet. And it's not just about ice hockey. The ice facility must develop a balance between ice hockey, figure skating and open skating, according to the report. "The balance need not be equal, but must address the local and regional market it will serve" the report states. KBA recommends that the township hire a professional manager or management company with at least seven to ten years experience running a similar facility. Brick's current and future demographics also point to a need for a family aquatic center and more indoor soccer facilities, the report states. The Brick aquatic center would be roughly 25,000 square feet, with an eightlane, 25-year lap pool and a 12,000 square-foot leisure pool. Established swimmers, those learning to swim and competitive swim teams both in Brick and outside would use the lap pool. The leisure pool would be for recreational activities and children's entertainment. Both pools could be used by outside treatment facilities for water therapy programs. "Water therapy is a relatively new and untapped market," the report states. "Yet it is capable of supporting many of the expenses associated with operating the aquatics facilities." The township also needs a full-service senior center included in the plans, KBA said in the study. Brick's population of residents age 55 and over "long for activities that cater to their special needs, and facilities that provide a safe and socially appealing environment," the report states. "A single destination that provides physical, recreational and social activities - geared specially to the over- 55 demographic- is not only necessary but marketable," KBA said in the report. The report recommends the township finance the project with long-term borrowing, but not for a period longer than the facility is expected to last. "The pay as you go alternative is not an option for a project of this magnitude," the report states.