Mozingo: The time is now

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This isn’t my first discussion on the importance of Mozingo Lake Recreation Park, and most assuredly won’t be the last over the next few months.

All periods of transformation and positive disruptive change come with a defining moment. A moment when community leaders and citizens take advantage of opportunities based on the proper analysis of risk versus reward.

Acting or not on those opportunities should always be attributed to making informed and educated decisions. Over the next few months, it will be our responsibility to provide you information and discussion regarding the future of the no longer “hidden gem” that is Mozingo Lake Recreation Park.

In April 2016, Maryville voters will be asked to renew an existing ½ of 1 percent sales tax to support the continued operation/maintenance of Mozingo.

A sales tax renewal is critical to ensure the park continues as a high quality, local attribute and growing regional tourism hub.

While operations/maintenance is the primary focus, revenue from this source over time allows us to proceed with expansion of amenities, including trails, RV spots, and youth facilities.

While the original purpose of Mozingo 20 years ago was to secure a vital water source, amenities developed since have transformed outdoor recreation in the region.

Not only is Mozingo readily available to local residents, it is within a short two-hour drive of Kansas City, Des Moines, and Omaha. Similar to economic development efforts with industry and retail, the city staff promotes our location to potential visitors from those cities looking for a day trip or summer vacation destination.

I’ve previously eluded to the impact those visitors have on the local economy, and in January results will be released from a formal economic impact study. The report is likely to confirm that Mozingo is one of the major economic engines in the region. With ongoing citizen support, Mozingo can continue to implement elements of the adopted Mozingo Master Plan while offering affordable, family-friendly amenities to the community and beyond.

While the renewal of the existing sales tax is the primary focus, it is difficult not to embrace an opportunity in front of us to take Mozingo to the next level.

The construction of a conference center to complement the park and hotel became a vision of the City Council’s prior to 2010. A hotel market feasibility study in 2011 (updated in 2013) noted that not only could our market support a 70-room select service lodging facility, but event space would respond well to the demand currently displaced by lack of similar facilities.

The study continued to note that Mozingo would be an attractive location for conferences, weddings, and other events, should the appropriate facilities be made available.

What followed was a four-year economic development effort to identify a hotel partner with a desire to locate onsite.

On Aug.7, the City of Maryville, along with Nodaway County Economic Development, announced the commitment of Boulders Inn & Suites to such a project. The Iowa-based hotel chain, established in 2008, has proven success in rural markets providing an “Opportunity to Relax in Style.”

The 100 percent privately owned and financed project will consist of a 40-room hotel located between the Sechrest 18 and soon to open Watson 9 golf courses.

Construction on the project is expected to begin in the spring and it now provides an opportunity to discuss construction of a conference center in conjunction to potentially save money and limit site disruption.

City staff, the Mozingo Advisory Board, and the City Council are currently discussing numerous financing options for the potential construction of the conference center. The center not only is publically identified as a priority in the Mozingo Master Plan, but also the Maryville Comprehensive Plan, and noted to significantly boost tourism while providing the community a venue it currently lacks.

Based on further community input, the City Council resolved to make pursuit of a conference center a priority goal.

Several financing options include a potential secondary sales tax question providing a dedicated source of revenue covering facility construction. Options such as a 1/8 of 1 percent sales tax for 20 years are being considered and equate to one penny on the purchase of an $8 laundry detergent or sub sandwich.

Any sales tax options also benefit from the retirement of Maryville Community Center debt in 2021 and the reduction its existing sales tax.

Regardless of the outcome, I’m thoroughly encouraged by the engagement and discussion with citizens and representative boards on the conference center. We remain grateful for the opportunities in front of us and believe the time is now to discuss what the next 20 years can be.

Efforts of previous citizens and community leaders were instrumental in paving the way for the current state of Mozingo Lake Recreation Park and it is our job to continue that responsible, yet progressive, growth.