The idea of a new recreational center was proposed by leaders in Rockbridge County in September that would serve both the school and the community. Included in this $12.8 million center would be three regulation basketball/volleyball courts, a walking track, a full fitness center, community rooms, extra space, and plenty of space for parking.
The new rec center would significantly help the Rockbridge Area Recreation Organization (RARO) as the gyms would be a space for different RARO teams to practice. Currently, RARO is having to use school gyms, however, they can’t use any of those gyms from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Even the office space in the upstairs area could be used for RARO employees. Chad Coffey, RARO Executive Director, emphasizes the benefit that the rec center has on RARO.
“Having indoor gym space would be a huge benefit to RARO’s programming. Specifically, we are unable to run any programming during the day because all of the indoor facilities we utilize are within the schools. Having space available to the public during the day would allow for a major increase in programming for adults and accessibility to the public,” Coffey said.
Additionally, the new rec center would provide a good space to hold tournaments for basketball and volleyball in Rockbridge County. This would be a big help for tournament directors because they would now have at least three courts to work with instead of having to rent out different gyms from different schools.
This new space would also serve Rockbridge County High School classes like P.E. and Strength Training. The plan would be for students to temporarily leave the building and walk over to the rec center, then come back when class is almost over. Assistant Principal Shaun Sparks speaks to how the rec center helps Rockbridge athletics and classes.
“The potential for the rec center is a great community partnership where the community and the schools would be able to use the site. Not only for our athletic programs but potentially for some classes where it would be a community space and a space here for Rockbridge County High School students,” Sparks said.
As of right now, the plans have come to a hold but will hopefully progress soon. In an interview with Dr. Phillip Thompson explained where the plans are right now.
“Right now it’s in the hands of the board of supervisors so for right now they still need to vote on the plan and then fund it,” Thompson said.
Thompson also shared his hopes and beliefs as to when the construction for the new rec center would begin.
“ My hope is we’ve got shovels in the ground this school year, maybe this summer,” Thompson said.
The decision of whether the rec center will be built is still unknown and there is no verdict yet. If the plan gets approved and the Board of Supervisors are able to fund enough money, then this would significantly impact community members and the Rockbridge County High School athletic department.
