"I think there is a welcoming aspect to the 200 South street-scape that is open so that people can see," she said, adding that she learned about the center's summer outdoor movie showings by seeing one as she passed by. "It really drew me in."

The less-expensive upgrade package, which would total $4.8 million, would include moving the ice rink to the area east of the stage. Instead of putting in a new building, the plan would add onto the stage building, which houses Gallivan staff offices.

A remodel of the Marriott Hotel, which serves as the eastern boundary of the center, would make room for public restrooms and new staff offices.

Both upgrade packages call for the elimination of the center's defunct aviary.

RDA staff estimate that any upgrades approved by the board would likely be phased in slowly, on a funding-available basis, over the next several years.

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com