Hilton Head committee recommends expansion at rec center

Supporters of the Island Recreation Center cheered Tuesday after a Hilton Head Island committee recommended the town spend $45,000 to determine how much it would cost to build and operate proposed enhancements, including a second gym and second pool.

The town's three-member Public Facilities Committee unanimously recommended that the full Town Council approve a proposal presented by the Island Recreation Association, the nonprofit organization that runs the center and provides recreation programs for the town.

The association had presented more elaborate plans two years ago but scaled them back at the council's request.

Depending on the results of the study, the town might allocate another $50,000 to develop a site plan, town officials said.

Both expenditures were previously budgeted but cannot begin until the council approves the scaled-back proposal.

The new proposal includes a splash pad for kids and 4,500 square feet of meeting space.

No one spoke against the proposal, and several people spoke in favor of enhancing the center. Association officials say they are currently limited in the amount and types of activities they can offer.