CRANBERRY TWP — Township officials are taking an initial step toward the possibility of developing a new community center in coming years.

At a meeting on Thursday, June 26, supervisors unanimously authorized a feasibility study for a recreation, arts and cultural engagement center that could significantly expand opportunities for thousands of residents.

Sports Facilities Companies, a business management consultant company based out of Florida, will help guide the study after the township agreed to a contract worth $42,500 plus reimbursables.

The study will include a comprehensive market analysis, program development and a detailed financial forecast.

“What they’re going to help us do is figure out what the program should be based on our goals,” township manager Dan Santoro said.

It comes about a month after supervisors approved the creation of an ad hoc Recreation, Arts and Cultural Committee that will begin looking at the demand for a new center.

The center, Santoro said, could include several components such as gymnasiums or fitness rooms, but also other multipurpose spaces that could accommodate the township’s summer camp or after-school programs.

“We can envision a place where, maybe, after school kids can come and engage in STEM education or homework time and then move into a physical activity,” he said.

Last April, the board adopted an updated version of the township’s parks, recreation, and open space plan designed to elevate and expand recreational opportunities.

Santoro said one of the primary recommendations in the plan was to conduct a feasibility study for a new facility of this kind in the township.

He also noted that the project could take years to develop and construct, should the township see a demand for it.

“We’re going to be figuring out what it would look like, where it goes and those kinds of things,” he said.