Cleveland, Ga. – White County held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for a new recreation center that officials say will serve residents’ recreation needs for many years to come.
The new complex will be located next to the ballfields and playground area at White County Park on Asbestos Road.
The building, when constructed, will meet several needs. It will include a two-court gymnasium, pavilion, splash pad, staff offices, concession stands, and restrooms. The facility will also include a meeting room that can accommodate about 50 people for a meeting or family gathering.
Building for future growth
The White County Recreation Department has operated with a single-court gym since 1988. As the county has grown, it has had to utilize different school gymnasiums to accommodate a growing demand for activities.
White County Commission Chairman Travis Turner called the new building a big deal.
“This is larger than any of us standing here, and I believe it’s going to benefit our community, honestly, after some of us are probably gone. So, we’re going to leave something; I’m going to say an inheritance for our children and children’s children,” said Turner.
Turner said the facility is being built in a way that additional basketball courts can be added as the county grows.
“We’ve grown so much, and the participation rates of sports, volleyball, basketball – that kind of thing. And right now, we are so spread out across all of the schools this is going to help us to have a central location where [we] can play most of our games on campus,” said White County Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly McEntire.
BCA Studios of Gainesville is the architectural firm for the project, and Charles Black Construction in Cleveland will serve as Construction Manager.
