Save the Gym: Community Support Needed For Once-In-A-Lifetime Project

    The Gym on the original “Central School” property at Hooper and Sullivan has been a part of the life of Central since 1927.  Graduations, ball games, and classes have were held here for almost 75 years until it was taken out of use in the early 2000’s.  Now, 87 years later, the Central community has been given an opportunity to save this piece of Central history from its scheduled August demolition.
    The Central Community School Board has begun building demolition to clean up the old middle school site, but has given the Central community until mid-July to come up with a viable plan to save the gym, which is oldest public school building in EBR Parish.  The gym is also the oldest non-residential structure in the City of Central.  
    The School Board has asked that a well-researched and supported plan to renovate and use the historic building be submitted for their consideration.  If approved, the School Board would be willing to consider a cooperative endeavor with a community group to make it happen.
    The Central Cultural Foundation has taken the lead in this effort and has begun the research needed to take on the project.  Estimates are being obtained for a phased-in renovation of the building so that it could be used for a museum, performance and exhibit space, meeting space and possibly a visitor’s center.
    Many volunteers will be needed to see this project through.  Teams are being formed for renovation, grant-writing, historical research, publicity, fund-raising, and volunteer labor if the project is approved.  There is also a need to know how many of you feel this is a worthwhile project.
    Please email [email protected], or call 262-DAVE if you would like to simply say “I Support Saving The Gym” or to volunteer to help.  “Like” the Facebook page “Save Central’s Historic Gym” in order to express your support and stay updated on the progress.  Help save a piece of Central’s past to benefit Central’s future!