Questions and Answers About the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.

Where is the Center?

Get Point-to-Point Driving Directions Here.

Dearborn residents overwhelmingly supported a $23.8 million bond proposal in 1996, but I know the Center costs $43 million. What are the additional amenities that we're getting at the center?

A more versatile theater, for one.

At the time of the bond proposal, which was based on a consultant's feasibility study for a new civic center, it was thought that the city would just build a basic auditorium.

But after extensive input from a broad array of community groups and a review of available finances, it was decided Dearborn would best be served with a 1,201-seat theater equipped to host both our outstanding local groups and professional entertainers.

Also added were the 200-seat Studio A performance area, scenery shop, loge and balcony seating, orchestra shell with rigging, loading dock and lobby enhancements.

The cultural arts portion of the center was also upgraded in response to widespread public requests, including a permanent display art gallery.

Importantly, enhancements were added to the recreation features so that the center would serve residents' needs for years to come. Among the additions were the outdoor pool terrace; deck improvements, a climbing wall to safely challenge the adventurous, an aerobics room and an underground sprinkler system to ensure the outdoor athletic fields stay in top form.

Improvements to the appearance of the overall site, as well as upgrades to the senior center, are reflected in the completed building.

That all sounds great. But where did the additional money come from?

Additional financing has come from savings accumulated over the years in the city's budget and from other accounts that are appropriately related to the center. For instance, savings in the senior citizen operating fund were used to upgrade the senior citizen area.

Also used were funds earmarked to upgrade amenities for the old Civic Center. These funds pay for playground equipment; land development; maintenance; and lighting, road and water projects. A grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs grant was also in the mix, as was a federal grant designated for emergency operations, since the facility could serve as a temporary shelter following severe weather.

In addition, under the late Mayor Michael A. Guido's initiative, the non-profit Dearborn Community Fund was created to raise money in support of the center. Its capital campaign has set a goal of $10 million. So far, more than $7 million has been pledged, including $5 million from Ford Motor Company.

Why didn't the city ask for the full $43 million at the time of the bond election?

In 1996, the old Dearborn Civic Center needed extensive repairs to continue to operate. Yet, ongoing discussions with a broad array of recreation and cultural arts groups indicated that new, more modern amenities were needed, amenities that could only be offered in an extensively renovated facility.

At this point, the late Mayor Michael A. Guido and the City Council decided to see if Dearborn residents would support a special bond issue to renovate the old Civic Center. If not, they would have had to reinvest in the existing facility.

So, they put before voters a package that included many of the basic amenities citizens were asking for.

Voters overwhelmingly supported the $23.8 million bond. But discussions continued with the community. These discussions involved making further refinements to the project, refinements that would take the facility beyond its original scope. It was obvious that there was widespread support to make this new complex something very, very special.

Given this demand and this support, City leaders worked long and hard at developing a financial plan to include the desired amenities (outlined in a previous question), using the already approved bond amount as the major element of that plan. They were successful. Altogether, this has resolved in a $43 million center.

It is important to note that despite these beneficial enhancements, the cost of the bond to build the center has not changed. It is still about 11 cents per day for the typical Dearborn household.

How was the fee structure established for the aquatics/fitness center?

In creating the rates, the goal was to set appropriate user fees for Dearbornites who will regularly visit the facility, while being responsible to all city taxpayers, some of whom may visit the Center for other activities and entertainment, but not take advantage of the aquatics/fitness center.

Careful study went into the fees established for passes. As part of that study, the city looked at other similar facilities around the state of Michigan.

For example, the fee for a Dearborn family under an "Option B" pass costs $564 ($47 a month).

Compare that cost to an annual pass for a family at the Battle Creek Civic Center, which is $700, or at the Downriver YMCA, which is $720. And, the YMCA facility is only 31,920 square feet, compared with the 198,000 square feet of the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.

There are facilities in other communities with lower fees for residents. However, those communities have opened their fitness and aquatics centers to non-residents, who pay significantly higher rates, which help to offset the operational costs. The Center is designed for the benefit of Dearborn residents and their guests.

What happens if someone misbehaves at the Center?

The Recreation Department has established a "Zero Tolerance" policy for disruptive behavior.

That means the Recreation staff will take quick disciplinary action, including evicting people from the facility, should a problem occur. In order to maintain the facility in its desirable condition and keep its family focus, the staff has the backing of the Mayor and the City Council with this policy.

It is also hoped that the users of the facility will feel some sense of responsibility to keep the center in its clean condition and preserve its inviting atmosphere.