PERRYVILLE -- The new Perry Park Center will open in mid May.

"We thought the multipurpose center would be ready two weeks earlier," said Glenn Graham, president of the Perry County Multipurpose Center Commission, a group overseeing development of the park complex.

But there have been some minor delays, he added.

The center, which was originally scheduled for opening May 1, will open May 15.

The delay was created by a number of things: unexpected difficulty preparing the floor in the swimming pool area, late delivery of shelving for the library and additional grading and fill related to the parking lot.

"We regret the delay in opening," said Graham. "But the commission feels it would be far better to have everything in first-class shape for the grand opening."

The delayed start also will allow some additional time for staff training.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. May 15, the facility will be available to Perry County residents for use at no cost May 15 and 16, said Graham.

The multipurpose building culminates a five-year joint effort of Perry County and Perryville. Perry County voters approved a half-cent sales tax in 1996 to fund the $9.5 million building.

Discussion about the center started about five years ago.

"This facility is a great asset for Perry County," said Graham. "It includes a new library and a 417-seat auditorium with stage and orchestra pit.

The building also has a gymnasium with two basketball courts and bleachers, a walking track, racquetball courts, and a weight room and aerobics room. The center also includes an indoor pool with a water slide and a child-care center.

The Perryville Parks and Recreation Department will manage the facility. User fees are the same for all city and county residents. An annual one-year family pass is available.