Orange City leaders are beginning early discussions on a potential community recreation and fitness facility, while also moving forward with housing expansion and long-term infrastructure planning following their latest city council meeting.
City Administrator Matt Van Schouwen says the idea of a shared recreation facility has been discussed for a while and is now gaining renewed attention.
He says the city, Orange City Area Health System, and Northwestern College are exploring whether a joint facility could better serve the community than separate projects.
Van Schouwen says the project remains in the early stages, with the next step being the formation of a task force or focus group to better define the scope, location, and potential cost.
While that project is still developing, the city is also preparing for continued growth.
A public hearing has been scheduled for the Madison Place Southeast extension, which would add 23 new residential lots as part of the ongoing Puddle Jumper development. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with homes potentially starting later this year.
Van Schouwen says the city is already seeing strong interest in the development, with some lots being reserved even before construction begins.
The city is also planning for future infrastructure improvements.
Council members approved moving forward with an application for funding for the Albany Avenue and 3rd Street transportation project, a multi-million dollar reconstruction of a key north-south corridor.
Van Schouwen says the estimated cost for the first phase is about $3.5 million, with the city seeking approximately $1.3 million in state funding. If approved, construction would likely take place around 2030.
In addition to those long-term projects, the council also approved the purchase of a used tractor for $88,000.
Van Schouwen says that it will be used across multiple departments, including snow removal, compost operations, and wastewater management.
