Gold Center concept revealed
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By Jennifer
Kellner
Local residents finally got their first look at the proposed Gold Center being planned for Ringgold County during a public meeting held last Wednesday, May 3 at the Mount Ayr High School auditorium.
Modeled after the CREW Center in Woodbine, Daric O’Neal with Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture presented early concepts to an audience of roughly 50 people.
While no cost estimates were shared, the public was able to get a feel for the size and scope of the project, and imagine entering the two story building that may someday exist just south of Ringgold County Hospital.
Gold Center executive board member Brad Elliott hopes the community sees that “It’s more than just a pool.” According to Elliott, the social and educational components are vital, because the Gold Center would provide “a place to meet and connect in a neutral space.”
Entering from the north side, the main entry serves as the hub of the facility with technology-equipped open and shared work space, community gathering areas, and family-friendly changing rooms.
A competition sized gym with a full basketball court, tiered seating, and upper level walking track is planned for the west side of the facility along Highway 169. The initial site plan also incorporates a workout space for group fitness classes with a separate area for weights and machines.
On the far east, an educational area showed four classrooms and a large shop area that would be utilized by Southwestern Community College (SWCC).
The Iowa Department of Education has already awarded SWCC a million dollar grant towards the career academy that would offer adults and high school students an opportunity to receive technical training in auto mechanics, health care, welding and education closer to home.
On the southeast side, the site plan showed a 5,000 square foot swimming pool with large overhead doors, a separate zero entry shallow water area, and water resistance channel. The concept allowed room for a splash pad to be added in the future between the aquatic area and the parking lot.
A walking path from the south parking lot is also planned to connect to the Ringgold Trailway.
Monday, June 12 will be the next time the community will have an opportunity to learn more about the sources, uses and operational sustainability of the Gold Center.
Future meetings will depend on continuing feedback. You can let the Gold Center executive board know your thoughts by completing a two-question survey online at www.menti.com and entering survey code 3916 7736.
Questions or ideas on how to make this center the best possible for the residents of Ringgold County can be emailed to thegoldcenteria@gmail.com or by talking to one of the Gold Center executive board members: Jodie Geist, Mike Kemery, Brandi Shay, Ann Iannotta, Kim Bishop, Kim Greenland, Brad Elliott, Jen Malone, or Chris Elwood.
