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Last updated on Thursday, May 1, 2014
(MITCHELL) - Volunteers for the Southern Indiana Sports, Recreation and Youth Center are attempting to find a funding solution to build a facility in Mitchell. The goal is to convert the empty Pamida building on Teke Burton Drive into a community center.
Krystal Shetler of the Times-Mail reports that during the board's meeting Monday night at City Hall, President Chris Blackmore says he is working on setting up another walk-through of the building with local contractors to get a cost estimate of what it will take to make the space usable.
Blackmore has also spoke with an Indianapolis firm that specializes in the construction of basketball courts. The hope is to construct two courts in the building.
Besides the two courts the center will feature a locker room, fitness room, a weight and cardio room, food court, rest rooms, storage and office space, a batting cage, arcade and television lounge and computer and conference room.
Eric Mason, vice president of the board, has been in touch with a Mitchell native who specializes in the installation of commercial kitchens in an effort to get a cost estimate for the food court area.
The goal, Blackmore said, is to get a start-up budget prepared so the board and its resource development committee can begin to pursue funding for the facility. In the meantime, the board plans to draw up a letter of intent that will be given to ShopKo, who is selling the building, for consideration.
Blackmore hopes to open the center in the Spring of 2015.
The board approved the placement of Lori Quebbeman, Isaac Brown and Blackmore on the resource development committee.
Board member Karin DuBois agreed to write grants as needed, working closely with the city of Mitchell to seek out available grant resources.
The next board meeting is set for 6:15 p.m. on May 19 at City Hall. Updates also are available through the SISRYC page on Facebook or by visiting www.sisryc.org.
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