The Ellensburg Racquet & Recreation Center (ERRC) was destroyed in a suspected arson incident on Friday, December 2. The building is a total loss, and the City of Ellensburg is working to determine next steps and space options for upcoming winter recreation programming.
Community support has already been voiced and true to Ellensburg history, people are already beginning to find solutions. The Parks and Recreation Department is reaching out to community partners to explore alternative indoor spaces to sustain fitness and recreation activities this winter. The Parks team is also establishing processes and procedures to refund those who purchased punch passes after September 1, 2022, program participants in youth soccer and tennis lessons, and to address the many unanticipated items from this abrupt loss.
The ERRC was insured and adjusters are working to investigate and settle claims before beginning demolition and cleanup of the site. Determining the fate of the site and the best plan to rebuild will be decided by City Council after a full public process involving the community.
This fall, the City Council expressed support to explore additional recreation facilities. Plans were underway to convene a committee in January to explore expansion of recreation opportunities with a field house and community center.
“The Council has been presented with a proposal for a new field house at Rotary Park, and we were in the process of exploring that along with other priorities,” said Mayor Nancy Lillquist. “The fire at the Racquet & Recreation Center will move that process up on our priority list.”
For additional information, contact Ellensburg Parks and Recreation Director Brad Case at (509) 925-8639.
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