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Alderman presses Ripley board to explore a community center; members discuss grants and funding
Summary
Alderman Austin urged the board to pursue a community center offering indoor recreation and senior services; board members discussed past grant attempts, potential partners and limited local cash flow but agreed to keep the idea on the strategic plan.
Alderman Austin urged the Ripley Board of Aldermen to explore creating a community center to provide indoor recreation, senior activities and year-round programs for children.
"I'm asking for a place, a nice place for people to have to go," Alderman Austin said, describing a need for indoor options such as bowling, skating or exercise facilities and noting the lack of a senior center in Ripley.
Board members discussed past applications to Blue Cross/Blue Shield grant programs and potential partnerships with the Mid South development district and the UT Martin Center, both cited as grant partners with experience securing funding. The Chair cautioned the city’s near-term cash flow constraints and said a benefactor had discussed possibilities but nothing was finalized. "We will keep that at the high end of our strategic plan," the Chair said.
Discussion highlighted potential locations and previous community-center space at sites now repurposed, and members suggested staff and elected officials monitor grant opportunities and jump on prospects when they arise. Members agreed that, before committing city funds, the board should gather more information and, if necessary, hold a fact-finding hearing to clarify ownership and maintenance responsibilities for potential sites.
The exchange concluded with agreement to continue pursuing opportunities and to revisit the idea in future meetings and budget planning sessions. The meeting adjourned with budget hearings scheduled and no formal vote taken on the community center.
