Shawnee County commissioners tour Stormont Vail Events Center

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Monday’s Shawnee County Commission looked a little different as attendees got a hands-on look at the latest updates around the Stormont Vail Events Center.

With renovations taking place in the center from 2020 – 2022, commissioners wanted the opportunity to walk and talk with staff and see that progress first-hand. Commissioners believe having a community gathering spot like the Stormont Vail Events Center allows for larger events that otherwise wouldn’t be viable within the county.

With amenities like the parking availability to handicapped accessibility, having a space like the events center makes hosting those must-see events in the local community possible.

“On May the 18th and 19th we’re going to have all of our Shawnee County high schools graduating from here,” Commissioner Kevin Cook said, “so when you’re talking about being able to have a facility that can house that many people, have people come in and cycle through, there’s no other facility in Topeka or Shawnee County that can do that.”

When do Shawnee County pools open in 2024?

Commissioners discussed future plans for the space and the 2025 budget, looking at potentially implementing youth sports, adding sport court facilities and bringing back statewide volleyball or basketball.

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