Ponca city looked to renovate its community recreational centers in the midst of the financial crisis.  An aging rec center was left in disrepair and the community wanted ways to invest in itself.

Through a careful budget plan the city was able to find revenue to complete the center and even extend the original plans.  The resulting Aquatic Center offers diverse water-related recreational activities such as swimming, saunas, and a water slide as well as fitness centers of varying sorts.  There are also youth activities hosted in the center and local schools are involved.  As a result of these amenities, 43% of the city's population are members and 12% of members are from other nearby areas, effectively making the Center a regional attraction.

This case study was nominated for ICMA's Annual Awards Program.