A new era in services for the citizens of Wakulla County began today, May 24, 2010, when Commission Chairman Howard Kessler signed the closing papers and accepted the keys to the New Life Christian Fellowship Church from church pastor James Saulter.  The 22 acre property, located on the corner of Shadeville Highway and Trice Lane, is now officially the Wakulla County Community Center.  The Community Center planning process which has been underway for some time will kick into high gear now that the county has taken ownership.

The public is invited to attend an informal open house at the Community Center on Thursday evening, May 27th, from 5 to 8 p.m.  No special activities are scheduled but the public is invited to come and tour the facilities and complete a survey on the type of activities they would like to see take place at the center and the future development they would like to see take place on the 22 acre site. 

A gymnasium, swimming pool, outdoor basketball, tennis and volley ball courts, and skateboard park are some of the amenities that citizens have expressed an interest  in seeing developed at the site.  In addition, community gardens and walking/exercise trails are other activities that are being considered.  It is hoped that by prioritizing the wishes and desires of Wakulla county residents the county will be able target specific grant funding opportunities or move quickly when Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant funding becomes available. 

The survey also asks for citizen input on the types of activities that might take place in the two (2) 6, 400 sq. ft. buildings that formerly housed the church;  a sanctuary facility, and an administrative/classroom building.  The buildings are virtually identical on the outside with very different configurations within.  Neither building has any load bearing interior walls making them readily adaptable to other uses and configurations.                                                                   

The survey has questions on fee levels that will be charged, whether before and after school day care services is desired, types of events citizens would like to see scheduled, and whether or not the facility should become a Park & Ride location for commuters to Tallahassee.  Survey participants are asked to rank or rate a number of specific activities in the areas of After School Programs, Arts & Crafts, Community Activities, Dance, Fitness, Gaming, Health & Wellness, Hobbies, Indoor Sports, and Martial Arts Training.

The survey is available at the Medart Park-Parks & Recreation Office, the Wakulla County Public Library, the IFAS Agricultural Extension Office and the Board of County Commissioner’s Office complex.  An online version of the survey will be available very soon.  Survey results will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners at a Workshop scheduled to take place at the Community Center at 6:30 p.m. on June 24th.  At this workshop, Commissioners will discuss short and long term plans for the Community Center, management models and budgeting considerations.

For additional information about the Community Center, please call Doug Jones at 926-1201 or email djones@mywakulla.com.

Written by :

dmj

 

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