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Shared event/evacuation center makes sense By Mail Tribune Editorial Board Jul 17, 2022 12:00 AM A A The Labor Day fires that devastated large swaths of Southern Oregon in 2020 showed just how unprepared the region was for a major disaster that left thousands needing emergency shelter. The Jackson County Expo was pressed into service, but it was not designed for the purpose, and proved less than ideal as an evacuation center. Now Jackson County, the city of Central Point and the Expo are discussing a possible joint project that would result in a new center with a total price tag of $50 million to $60 million. The facility would serve as a community center for Central Point, a regional event center for the Expo and, in case of a future disaster, an evacuation center that could serve dislocated families with showers and changing areas. Central Point officials have been discussing a community center for a number of years, which could be built near Central Point Elementary School. The joint project would be constructed between the Expo and the Family Fun Center on land now used for overflow parking. The Central Point City Council discussed the proposal Thursday night, with councilors expressing strong interest in the shared facility as long as the city could be assured of dedicated access to gymnasium space. The event center portion of the facility could include as many as eight basketball courts, with either all eight indoors or six indoors and two outdoors depending on the option chosen. At this point, discussions have suggested that the building would primarily be used by the city and by the Expo for events, with the county involved only in case of a major emergency. The city of Medford is working on an aquatics center and events complex that also will include basketball courts, but that should not be a reason to pass up this opportunity. A county of more than 200,000 can easily use more courts, and event space as well. This proposal would complement, not compete with what Medford is building. A shared facility that would serve the needs of the city of Central Point and the Expo, while providing some peace of mind for county officials preparing for future disasters, is an ideal partnership that would split the costs for the benefit of all three entities and the public. Concerns about city access are legitimate and need to be addressed, but any conflicts should be easily resolved by all the parties. Time is a factor, as construction costs continue to rise. Financing is another consideration; Central Point officials likely would have to ask residents to help pay the city’s share of the cost. Ironing out access policies will help convince residents that the project will serve their interest. If all the details can be worked out, this is a project that could serve the entire region for years to come.