Pre-design campaign begins for Ringgold Center
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A group of county residents have announced a fundraising campaign to finance pre-design services for a proposed multi-purpose facility.
In the early planning stages, the working name of the facility is the “Ringgold Center.”
According to a promotional flier from project organizers, this facility would provide space for a variety of uses:
• Career and technical educational space – Education training opportunities for high school and Adult Education offerings through a partnership with Southwestern Community College.
• Office space for remote workers – Remote work is the new “industry” in today’s world. Numerous calls ask for remote working spaces. Such space would serve as an attraction for families to move to Ringgold County.
• A gathering place for community and families – A place for young and old to gather and socialize and experience cross-generational mentoring; a place for new members to the community to connect.
• Space for health and wellness activities – Possible wellness amenities could include an indoor running/walking track, multi-purpose gymnasium, cardio/weight training equipment, and a hybrid swimming pool.
[It should be noted the Ringgold Center proposal is separate from the city’s plans to construct a new outdoor pool at Judge Lewis Park.]
A number of area organizations have allowed the use of their official logos in support of the project. They include Ringgold County Development, the City of Mount Ayr, Mount Ayr Community Schools, Diagonal Community Schools, Greater Regional Health, Southwestern Community College, and Ringgold County Hospital.
As part of its support, Southwestern has announced its intent to apply for a $1 million Career Academy grant in November for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing of the project.
Ringgold County Hospital has pledged use of land it owns south of the hospital as a potential site for the new facility.
Pre-design work estimated at approximately $60,000 would include services such as artist renderings, blueprints, and total estimated costs.
To jump start the campaign, Mike and Donna Kemery have contributed $20,000 with a local business adding another $1,000.
The group is now seeking additional tax-deductible contributions to reach the $60,000 pre-design goal. Contact ringgoldcenter@gmail.com for donation details.
A promotional flier for the Ringgold Center capital campaign summarizes the goal behind the project:
“We all know that the pandemic has changed everything and has given us an opportunity to evaluate the needs of our County.
“It is vital to retain and recruit community members and new businesses to Ringgold County as the population is declining in our area.
“We believe now is the optimal time to create a facility that provides a remote working space and fulfills a physical, educational, social, and family need in our area.”
