What is Central?

    If you ask an economic development professional you might be told that we are WalMart, McDonalds, with Taco Bell on the way, and 66 square miles with a Master Plan to ensure that all of the new neighborhoods and businesses are attractive and traffic is kept at a minimum.
    While I can’t argue those facts, I see a different side of Central.  I see an emerging city that is hungry for social and cultural activities to add to the lives we have already made here for our families.
    In 18 days the fate of the historic 1927 gym will be decided by our School Board.  The vision for this facility is a Central Area Museum and Cultural Center for Visual and Performing Arts.  This is not the final word in the cultural identity of the City of Central, but it is an important piece of the puzzle.  Let’s “Save the Gym”.
    What is Central?  Let’s fast forward three years to the restored 1927 Gym and ask that question.
Ask the third grade students who just took a tour to see the photographs and artifacts of this area’s history and learned about what the area’s settlers did to build this community and Central is a place for learning.  “Save the Gym.”
Ask one of the 100 children who just saw a Disney movie in the restored gym with parents or grandparents and Central is a place for fun.  “Save The Gym.”
Ask a Central artist whose work is on display in an exhibit opening and Central is a place that encourages and appreciates art.  “Save the Gym.”
Ask a young actor from the Central Community Theatre who just performed in a play in front of friends and family and Central is a place for theater.  “Save the Gym.”
Ask the 1965 graduate that just attended a class reunion in the restored gym.  Central is a place for memories and friends.  “Save the Gym.”
Ask any of the 200 who just left a Saturday night guitar concert by Central’s own Kenny Acosta and Central is a place that appreciates music.
    As these Central residents, who might otherwise have spent the evening in Baton Rouge seeking entertainment and a bite to eat, instead head toward their favorite Central restaurant, ask those restaurant owners and they will tell you Central is a place for business success.
    I and others believe that the 1927 gym, the oldest historic public building in Central, deserves being saved in its own right, but even more so if we put it to use as a History and Cultural Center for this community.  Please consider signing the on-line petition on Facebook or at www.thepetitionsite.com/380/453/968/  That would be Good News for a Great City.