Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Sports Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Smoky Mountain Roller Derby asks to continue using Swain County Rec Center after floor replacement
Summary
Members of the Smoky Mountain Roller Derby told commissioners they have used the Swain County Recreation Center for more than a decade, raise money for local charities there, and asked the county to reconsider barring use while new floors are installed.
Members of the Smoky Mountain Roller Derby appealed to the board during the public-comment period to continue access to the Swain County Recreation Center after the county informed them they could no longer use the facility because new floors are being installed.
"In the 13 years this team has been practicing and playing games here, we have loved being a part of this community," said Alana Booth, identifying herself as a member of Smoky Mountain Roller Derby and noting the team has hosted visiting teams and raised thousands for local charities. Booth told commissioners the league began paying $200 monthly rent last year and that the team's skates "don't have any major effects on floors, especially not sport court, which is what I believe they're putting in." Alice Cosman, another team member, said she has skated since 2015 and added that she has "never seen a floor damaged by roller derby" and said the junior league provides activities for local children.
Both speakers asked the county to reconsider restricting access or to work with the team to preserve their use of the facility. No formal action was taken at the meeting; the public-comment portion concluded after the two speakers.
