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The Park Slope Armory athletic facility took an important step towards becoming a reality last week, as the city officially asked private companies to submit proposals to run — and pay to operate — the facility, which could open sometime next year.

The Armory, which is on Eighth Avenue between 14th and 15th streets, is still a long way from actually opening its doors — work is still being done on the interior — but the release of the “request for proposals” is a milestone.

Whoever takes on the task of managing the Armory will need to schedule events, sell concessions and souvenirs, and allow area schools to use the gym free of charge. They will also have to find a way to make the recreation pay for itself, since the city is not going to give companies any money to run the Armory, although it will provide heat, electricity and water.

The Department of Homeless Services will have veto power on what fees are charged and what events are scheduled.

Still, the fact that the armory plan is moving forward is a milestone in the three-year-old project.

“I don’t know if we’re at first or second base,” said Tony Kleckner, chairman of the Park Slope Civic Council’s armory committee.

“I guess releasing the RFP is first, getting bids is second, and picking out a good one is getting to third.”

The deadline for bids is Sept. 27, after which the Homeless Services will determine who gets the 10-year contract to run the center, which will have room for track-and-field events, volleyball, indoor soccer, and boxing, among other sports.

A women’s shelter currently operated by Homeless Services will remain on the site, as will the offices of several veterans’ groups.

Even though the RFP outlines plenty of details, much will be left up to the companies who submit proposals, which is why Kleckner, for one, isn’t counting the days until he can start running laps.

“It really all depends on who responds and in what fashion,” he said.

The Armory’s renovation, which was first announced in 2004 and has been delayed several times since then, is based on the recent successful transformation of the Fort Washington Armory into a world-class track facility.

©2007 Community Newspaper Group