The Palo Pinto County Activity Center committee is working out all the details to begin construction on this upcoming property. Henry Cox, Clint Myrick, Z Beard, and Rhonda Gibson from Meals On Wheels are wanting to identify all the amenities needed for this center. It is intended for this building to host all the festivities for both youth and seniors alike.
“We have got to pull everyone together. Companionship is what is needed because of the last year.” -Henry Cox
This week’s meeting for the activity center was focused on nailing down details that accommodate everyone. The location of this new building will be located at 1410 SE M.L.K. Jr St, Mineral Wells, TX 76067. This is right beside the current Meals On Wheels distributing site. The location provides an area that is both within walking distance to local schools and also convenient for seniors. The building should be around 10,000 to 12,000 square feet. The gym should be large enough to host two basketball games at one time. The activity center is set to have its groundbreaking Thursday, April 15th, 2021 at 5 pm. The Center’s committee would like to invite all in the community to come and support this event.
The new activity center will serve all of Palo Pinto County in many ways. Some examples are extracurricular activities, meals, senior games, mentorships, non-profit offices, and so much more. This week they presented the sign for the location. The committee met with a local surveyor Michael Price, who determined the area to be used will be approximately 2.5 acres.
Sub-committees have been created throughout the county to provide input needed for the new center, The sub-committees will gather information from the youth and elderly in the community.
A local senior, Ron Busch, delivered a heartfelt story about his life and why this community center would be beneficial to him and many others. Ron had a childhood with an abusive step-father. The situation eventually ended with him in an orphanage. As a young adult he worked very hard but had an unfortunate accident that left him handicap and in the hospital for five years. During his time in the hospital, a close friend took possession of all his things including his home. Since then he has met few people that have made him feel welcome.
“Older people feel embarrassed about being handicapped. Especially if they are in pain. But they need the community.” -Ron Busch
The idea of the activity center has been built by the community committee and it will be built by this community.
“Community members built the Golden Gate Bridge. So if community members can build the Golden Gate Bridge. Then we can build the Palo Pinto County Activities Center.” -Clint Myrick
The committee would like to hear from you. Their goal is that the desired needs for this community are met to the best of their ability.
Writer | I graduated from Weatherford College with an Associates in Art, focusing on history, creative writings, sociology, and humanities. Experience in child development, client care, and runs local Spoken Word Poetry group for young teens.
