MURRAY — If the Sports Mall can take full-court advantage of paying off its loan to the city, the long-desired civic/recreation/community center could be a slam dunk.

Sports Mall owners negotiated a deal with the City Council last week. Under the proposal, the owners would pay off the remainder of a loan that helped build the private recreation facility at 5445 S. 900 East, if the city would give them a discount.

That money could be used to help pay for a proposed community recreation center as long as it didn't compete with the Sports Mall.

"There's no argument our relationship with the Sports Mall is a healthy return," Councilman John Rush said. "A recreation center is needed, and we don't have the funds."

The City Council on Tuesday gave Sports Mall owners 30 days to close the deal.

About 25 years ago, the city provided a loan that got the Sports Mall built. Owners would like to pay off the remaining $2.8 million debt if the city would take $400,000 less. In doing so, the city would be released from its contractual obligation to help pay for improvements at the Sports Mall.

Council members liked the idea of having the loan liquidated. There was some debate, however, over how much of a discount to provide.

"We'd like to be cashed out, but are we doing a injustice to residents if we agree to the $400,000 discount?" said Councilman Ren Souza.

After negotiations, the council agreed to accept $2.5 million, which is a $300,000 discount. Sports Mall owners agreed to that as long as the money is put into a capital improvement fund. If it's used for a recreation center, Sports Mall owners want to have some say in it.

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Sports Mall manager Brent Cook was part of a committee that determined the recreation center is needed. Its cost is estimated at anywhere from $6 million to $15 million depending on the amenities.

The project has been on the drawing board since a 1994 study showed 68 percent of Murray residents favor a family recreation center. A committee determined the recreation center should have three basketball courts, a weight room, an aerobics area, an indoor track, a child-care facility, a multipurpose room, locker rooms, a field house and a theater.

It also called for a pool, racquetball courts and a climbing wall, if financing allows.

But the facility could be scaled back depending on funding options.

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