Fund-raising campaign under way for new recreation complex

By Lynn Hotaling

Jackson County Recreation and Parks Director Jeff Carpenter holds a sample brick as he stands in front of the multipurpose facility under construction at the Jackson County Recreation Complex in Cullowhee. The rec department is selling engraved bricks, similar to those used in the downtown Sylva streetscape, as a fund-raiser to purchase equipment for the new gym and fitness center. Engraved bricks will be used to pave an "Honor Walk," a sidewalk that will connect the parking area with the new facility. The building, expected to be ready for occupancy in December, will include an 8,400-square-foot gym that will seat 400, a fitness center, meeting rooms and office space for the recreation department. - Herald photo by Lynn Hotaling

A fund-raising campaign recently initiated by the Jackson County Recreation and Parks Department offers individuals, families and businesses a chance to purchase engraved brick pavers similar to the ones used in downtown Sylva's streetscape project.

The bricks will be used to pave the new complex's "Honor Walk," a sidewalk that will connect the parking lot with the new multipurpose facility, Carpenter said. The cost per brick is $40 for two lines of engraving or $50 for three lines. Each line is limited to 12 characters, and open spaces between words count as a character.

The goal to pave the Honor Walk is 300 bricks, Carpenter said. Funds generated from the sale of bricks will be used to purchase equipment for the new gym and fitness center, he said.

"We need donations to help equip the building," Carpenter said.

Facility needs include basketballs, badminton and table tennis equipment, treadmills, stair-climbers and weight equipment.

Carpenter said he envisions the fitness center becoming a popular destination for parents who will be able to exercise and work out while their children have soccer practice.

"The fitness center's windows overlook the soccer fields," he said.

Located on Speedwell Road adjacent to Cullowhee Valley School, the Jackson County Recreation Center contains two lighted softball fields, four soccer fields (two regulation size and two youth fields), two playgrounds, rest rooms and a concession stand.

Other amenities include two handicap fishing piers, eight small picnic shelters, a 1,200-square-foot shelter that can be reserved for parties and reunions and an 1,800-square-foot pavilion that will soon be available for larger events, Carpenter said.

A 2-mile walking trail that encircles both the park and Cullowhee Valley School is nearing completion, Carpenter said. The section around the school is finished, and the park's portion will be finished as soon as the multipurpose building is completed.

Funds to construct the multipurpose facility include $1.5 million from county commissioners and $250,000 from a state Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant. Expected to be ready for occupancy in early December, the building will include a full-size gymnasium that will seat 400, a fitness center, a large meeting room that can be subdivided into three smaller rooms and offices for the recreation department.

The building is designed to accommodate future expansion, Carpenter said.

Engraved pavers can honor a family, a child or be placed in memory of a loved one, Carpenter said.

"We hope everyone will help us pave the way to the future for recreation in Jackson County by purchasing bricks for the Honor Walk," Carpenter said.

Those wishing to reserve their engraved bricks for the new facility's Honor Walk may do so by Aug. 31 at the recreation office in the Duke Power Building on West Main Street. For additional information, call the recreation department at 586-6333.

Back to Sports: 08/02/01.