Once roof is fixed, former
gym can host games, more
An effort is underway to bring the recently-restored Clinton High School gymnasium back into use as a community recreation center.
In the fall of 2003, Allied Services, Inc. purchased the gym in it order to use the lower level of the building as a training facility.
In addition to fixing up the lower level, Allied also restored the gym itself The floor was refinished, and the bleachers were removed and restored. Downstairs, the entire interior was repainted, a brand new kitchen was installed, and a new air-conditioning system was installed
The revamped basement also includes an open area that could seat 150 people, a cafeteria with tables to seat 100; one 25-person classroom with tables and chairs and and a conference room.
However, according to Brian McLeish, a member of the board of Community Recreation Center (CRC), a newly-formed not-for-profit organization whose specific purpose will be to maintain and operate the gym, Allied Services is no longer using the building as a training facility.
McLeish said Allied still owns the property, and has agreed to lease it to CRC, provided CRC pays the utilities, maintains the building and uses the facility to benefit the community. Eventually, CRC would like to purchase the building from Allied.
"We've got a pretty good board," McLeish said. "I'm really happy with who we've got."
According to McLeish, the CRC board includes Doug Wilson, D.J. Bonomo, Bob Burkett, David Frisse, Leo Maesch, Donna McLeish and Ryan Luce.
Before the gym can be used again, however, one significant obstacle remains - the roof. According to McLeish, Allied had done some work done on the roof, and believed that it had been successfully repaired. Those efforts, however, were not successful.
Standing in the gym as it rained outside Friday afternoon, one could hear water running into the building through the roof. While the gym floor itself stayed dry, water was running into the bleacher areas at the sides, and water-spots could be seen on the floor in the bleacher areas, from where water has come in.
McLeish said one of his current responsibilities has been to stop by the gym every day and mop up any water that may have leaked into the facility. He added that repairs to the roof will cost a minimum of $43,000, and "to do it right will probably be at least $50,000."
McLeish said the roof dates back to when the gym was part of Clinton High School. "It's lived its life, now we've got to fix it," he said.
Once that hurdle is cleared, McLeish believes that covering the ongoing costs of operating the facility will not be difficult, as money will be generated by renting the building out for various uses. He added that CRC has big plans for the facility.
Already, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) has agreed to hold their basketball practices and all of their home games in the gym, beginning this season.
While Allied was using the gym, South Vermillion and North Vermillion played a boys' basketball game at the gym, and according to McLeish, "packed the place." He added he'd like to see high school games both boys and girls - played there again, once the roof is fixed.
According to McLeish, SMWC is very interested in sharing the gym with South Vermillion for an evening to let the girls' team play their J.V. and varsity games, followed by an SMWC home game.
"It's too nice a facility to just let it go," McLeish said. "But if we don't fix the roof, we can't save the floor."
McLeish said the roof repair "boils down to money" at present. All of the funds for the work are presently coming from donations. He added that some individuals have already made "generous pledges" toward the cost of the repair. He would like to see the work completed by the beginning of September, as SMWC wants to start practicing in the gym on Oct. 1st
In addition to SMWC feels the gym and the facilities in the building could be used for other purposes as well.
“We had a church league in here over the summer” he said. And we’ve been contacted about using the building for Christmas parties.”
In addition a retired teacher plans to use the facility later this month to tutor sixth graders in preparation for their ISTEP test. The possibility of holding Cub Scout “Pinewood Derby” races in the gym has also been discussed. Other options have included class reunions, dances, basketball camps, a walking area for senoirrs, senior citizens activities, and educational workshop seminars.
According to McLeish , Valley Day Care has also brought their students into the gym on a few rainy occasions when the children could not play outside.
McLeish also mentioned the Community Theatre group could possibly make use of the gym, which has a stage at one end, until work on their own facility is completed.
McLeish added he would like to see "open gym" times held there, where area youth could come in and shoot baskets. Eventually, when a director is hired who can be present to supervise such activities, he believes that will take place.
McLeish said he believes the facility can be a benefit to the community, once' the roof repair is completed.
"We've run the numbers, and we have a pretty good handle on the costs. It should pay for itself," he said. He added that CRC had gotten some pretty big names involved" who were willing come in and run basketball camps at the facility.
"The initial hurdle is the roof," MeLeish said. "Once we get by that, I feel we can make a go of it, and provide something for the community.
McLeish said an open house is being planned at the gym for Labor Day weekend. Residents will have ! the opportunity to walk through the restored gym and the lower level of the building, and hear about CRC's plans for the facility.
Those interested in helping or in making donations toward the roof repair project may contact McLeish at 812-230-1791