A group of locals gathered to discuss a prospective community center for the county on Jan. 14. The group expressed a necessity for a community center for all ages. The group hopes the center can provide sports, senior activities, and nonprofit office space.
Clint Myreck and Henry Cox hosted the meeting at local restaurant Smoke and Barrel. The meeting consisted of, County Judge, Shane Long, Meals on Wheels of Palo Pinto County board members, and local business owners, Ryan Roach and Cayler Banks, attended to give their input. It is an agreement that the community is in dire need of this center to provide a safe space for all ages to enjoy and engage with each other.
The establishment is planned to be located 1410 SE MLK Jr. Meals on wheels currently owns this site but wants to expand its possibilities. This location is ideal because it is close to schools and convenient for all residents, according to resident Joe Ruelas.
“You’re in the center of the three schools,” he said.
The center plans to offer activities such as a variety of sports camps, mentorship programs, and senior gatherings. One of the groups focal point was to provide a gym for Mineral Wells youth as well as provide a conference room for other activities. But the possibilities are endless for this center.
For example, the vision for the project also includes partnerships with the police and fire departments to help with sports and mentorship, which will in turn build relationships between the youth and city officials. Additionally, the center would offer a space for grandparents to engage with the next generation.
After school transportation is another service the group hopes to offer. It is also expected that nonprofits will be able to rent an office at the location. This will help to help provide funding for all other services, including scholarships for undepreciated youth. “No youth will ever be turned away,” said Rhonda Gibson, Meals on Wheels President.
County Judge Long said the county needs this project so at-risk youth have a space to be heard by mentors.
“There are five or six kids in detention for trying to get attention,” Long said.
The next steps are securing funding and surveying the land, according to Myrick. The group is looking into grants and fundraising to build the center. Though they are just in the beginning stages of planning, they hope the town will show their support for the project, Cox said.
“I think this is what this town really needs to rally around,” he said.
The group intends for this center to serve the whole county and hopes residents will get involved. Another meeting is planned in the coming weeks. To learn more, contact Meals on Wheels of Palo Pinto county.
“You can’t be too busy to do it,” Cox said.
[this article was a collaboration between our Lifestyle Journalist, Krista Allen and our Local Government Journalist, Makenzie Plusnick]
Journalist with a focus on education and local government. Tarleton State University alumnus. Passionate about keeping Mineral Wells residents informed.
