Tumbling, trees and turf topped the Stafford County Board of Supervisors’ first meeting of the month last night.
The Stafford County Gymnastics and Recreation Center at 500 Nelms Circle was up for a lease renewal, prompting a discussion among board members.
“I believe it’s time to adjust the condition of the current gymnastics facility which has been subpar for too long, especially given that it’s a space where our young children spend a significant amount of time,” said Supervisor Pamela Yeung, who represents the Garrisonville District.
“The facility is rundown and after years of leasing, it may be more prudent to invest in a new location in the long run rather than continuing to pay for an inadequate space.
“To put this into context, neighboring Prince William County is planning to build a state-of-the-art sports complex, yet we find ourselves falling behind once again. The landlord I believe is proposing over 66% increase in the lease.”
The board approved a resolution in 2020 for a one-year lease with four optional annual one-year renewals at an initial rate of $166,800 with a maximum escalation of 2% per renewal year.
The proposed resolution asks for a 5% increase on the current lease amount of $177,009 to be paid in monthly installments. The property is owned by former Stafford Supervisor Mark Osborn and Thurman Campbell.
“We have almost $4.5 million invested, should we continue to invest in this location or seek a more suitable and long-term solution,” Yeung asked.
Supervisors stated that the current condition and maintenance of the facility are concerns and that they have heard from numerous constituents about the gym.
Hartwood Supervisor Darrell English inquired whether it would make sense for the county to purchase the property.
“I know it needs a lot of work,” said English, “but I’m just saying if we can get it a good price for it?”
“We’ve just outgrown it,” opined Brion Southall, director of parks, recreation, facilities and tourism.
The county has been leasing the facility since the mid-90s. George Washington Supervisor Deuntay Diggs reminded the board that a new gymnastics center was discussed in the recently-approved Belmont Park project.
“There is a plan in the future,” Diggs said. “But recognizing the issue, I think if we walk away from this, then where do we send our students in the community? I don’t agree with the pay increase but what’s the alternative?”
Board chair and Falmouth District Supervisor Meg Bohmke read parts of the 2020 resolution passed by herself, Widewater-Griffis District Supervisor Tinesha Allen, and Rock Hill Supervisor Crystal Vanuch. The proposed resolution states that the increase is requested due to 40% higher property values, increased insurance rates and unexpected fire safety improvements.
According to Southall, earlier this year a piece of the firewall in the gym fell and landed on the floor — a potential safety hazard if it had landed on a child.
Bohmke urged the board to direct Southall to renegotiate the lease with the owner.
“It’s not a huge amount of money, but it’s the principle of it and that’s taxpayer dollars,” she said.
“This is a conversation that we have going into budget season because we really need to look at what our debt capacity and what our abilities and what our monies look like before we’re making suggestions about purchasing properties,” Allen added. “I’d like to remind our board … that some of our revenues are $7 million short. I just need us to keep some perspective.”
Yeung then segued the board into a discussion about the Stafford Area Soccer Association’s annual renewal. She thanked the organization for the positive impact sports have had on children, especially her own. She also noted that the county had discussed transitioning from grass to turf fields and requested the board move the timeline up to avoid long-term maintenance issues.
Deputy County Administrator Mike Morris replied that the capital improvement program for 2025-2034 includes $1.5 million in fiscal year 2026 for the turf field.
SASA’s application renewal was unanimously approved.
Speaking for the trees
During the public presentation period, Kristen Barnes of the county planning commission came forward to encourage the county to adopt robust tree canopy requirements, meaning developers will have to protect a minimum amount of shade trees on a site.
Tree canopies reduce heat, reduce air pollution, provide habitat for wildlife and reduce stormwater runoff among many other direct and indirect benefits to residents, businesses, and the environment. Some of those benefits are specifically recognized in the county’s comprehensive plan. Per state code, localities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed may adopt regulations for planting and replacement of trees during the development process.
The board heard from Brian Geouge with the county planning and zoning department on what the existing tree canopy requirements are and what consulting firm the Berkeley Group suggested after reviewing similar regulations in neighboring counties.
The board directed Geouge to take the proposal to the planning commission to continue work on.
