- April 26, 2024
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In August 2010, the County Commission announced it planned to close Carver Gym, but the community spoke out. The commission could finalize plans for the gym Monday, March 21, at the regular meeting.
The funding plans that will ultimately keep the Carver Gym, in Bunnell, open are beginning to take shape, but two members of the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners want to make sure every penny spent on revamping the gym is spent wisely.
County Commissioner Barbara Revels led the discussion with the rest of the commissioners at the Monday, March 14, workshop. The proposal includes various public and private partnerships to help fund the facility. In the past, the county has paid about $120,000 each year to keep the facility open.
Revels referred to the funding options as a “blend,” adding that a governance board would be created to oversee the operations of the center, too.
The plan calls for seven new TVs, six video game consoles, movies, video games, furniture, and pictures — adding up to about a $12,000 bill.
Commissioner Milissa Holland said she supports the partnerships and collaborations, but she’s having a “difficult time supporting the TVs for video games,” given the current economic times.
Chairman Alan Peterson agreed with Holland, but said he could support the funds for a one-time startup.
The idea is to have the Carver Gym turn into George Washington Carver Community Center, much like the Flagler Youth Center located at Flagler Palm Coast High School.
Under the proposed agreement, the county would be responsible for the facility’s operational and capital costs; meanwhile, the Flagler County School Board will manage the staff and programming.
“This will become an active grant-seeking entity,” Revels said Monday.
The county hopes to have the Carver Gym evolve into something like the Youth Center, and Revels also said the gym in Bunnell would offer something for children ages 6 and up.
“It’s about making Carver Gym a community project,” Revels said.
County Administrator Craig Coffey said that if the plan is finalized, the grand opening could be July 1.
The County Commission plans to make a final decision 5 p.m. Monday, March 21, at its regular meeting.
