A modern multipurpose building that is to open next month in Perryville culminates a five-year effort that demonstrates what can be done through a spirit of cooperation.

Planning and funding for the new Perry Park Center involved not only a cooperative effort of Perryville and Perry County governments, but the residents of Perry County who followed up on the idea of a multipurpose building and voted in 1996 to enact a half-cent sales tax to fund the $9.5 million center.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the center at 10:30 a.m. May 15, and Perry County residents will be able to use the center free of charge the remainder of the day and following day. After that, user fees will apply for both city and county residents. A one-year pass will be available.

For recreation-minded users, the center contains an indoor swimming pool with waterslide, gymnasium with two basketball courts and bleachers, a walking track, racquetball courts, and a weight room and aerobics room. It also houses a library and 417-seat auditorium with stage and orchestra pit, and a child-care service will be available. The Perryville Parks and Recreation Department will manage the facility.

Developers had been shooting for a May 1 opening, but delays pushed back the opening date. A commission that will oversee the center's operation decided it best to delay opening so that everything is in place. That worked out well because it will permit additional time for training of the new staff prior to opening.

Perry countians can be proud of their new multipurpose center. It will provide many years of use and stand as an example of what can be accomplished through a cooperative effort.