HERMON – If residents support a new recreation center at the polls as they did in a recent survey, the town could have a new facility sooner rather than later.

The Hermon Recreation Department mailed out surveys on Oct. 24 to every resident about the proposed facility. The survey was designed to identify the town’s recreational needs for all ages and activities, said Scott Perkins, recreation director.

A weight room, walking track, indoor swimming pool, aerobics and gymnasiums were the top five most-desired programs or facilities residents wanted in a new center.

It would make sense to locate a recreation center near the elementary school because of the department’s before- and after-school programming, but decisions will be left to the community, Perkins said. He said he hoped residents would vote on the funding for the project during June’s annual town meeting.

“We think [the center] is a great opportunity for residents to get together, have a chance to network, communicate and be together as a community,” Perkins said.

Last November, residents approved moving approximately $188,000 from the town’s surplus fund to the recreation reserve account. The money was pegged for three purposes – enhancing programming, improving facilities and researching a community center construction project.

The town operates before-school, after-school and summer programs for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The Recreation Department serves approximately 300 families and 55 to 70 children attend programs daily, Perkins said. While the recreation programs for children are popular, the department hopes to include adults in the plan for a new facility.

“We hope to add adult and senior fitness and wellness programs,” Perkins said. “That population needs and wants things that they are not getting right now.”

Perkins said the recreation committee had discussed constructing a few small courts in the building with an indoor grass surface and walking track. Those facilities were preliminary thoughts before the survey results were complete, Perkins said.

Residents returned 515 surveys by mid-November. Of the 515 responders, slightly more than 100 were 30 to 39 years old, approximately 120 were 40-49, about 90 were 50-59, and more than 80 were 60-69. Perkins said the diverse age group of responders and the overwhelming amount of people, about 240, who said they would use the facility several times a week surprised him. While nearly 80 percent of the respondents said they would use the facility, about 360 people indicated they did not have children enrolled in the recreation programs.

Before any serious plans are designed, the recreation committee will report to the council, then an informal community meeting probably would be scheduled, said Town Manager Clint Deschene. Once a firm design is established, the town has to authorize the funds for the project, he said.

Perkins said Hermon’s investment in recreation is key to the community.

“I think the town’s identity really comes from what it decides to spend its money on,” said Perkins. “What better to spend it on than seniors and families who can all come together and spend time together?”

Toni-Lynn Robbins can be reached by e-mail at trobbins@bangordailynews.net or by phone at 990-8074.