Sabattus OKs temporary use of former school gym for recreation and cheer practices

The Sabattus Select Board voted to allow the Sabattus Recreation Club to use the former primary‑school gym for youth cheer practices, beginning Nov. 3, with the board agreeing to revisit the arrangement after roughly 60 days to review utility costs and safety issues.

Ashley Chance, introduced as a co‑director of the town’s youth cheer program, described a season that serves about 50 children across multiple squads and stressed the program’s reliance on volunteer coaches. She asked for weekday evening access to the former SPS gym and said the program would be responsible for cleanup, insurance and basic supervision.

Board members supported a limited trial to keep the building active and provide practice space the school consolidation removed from local availability. Members raised practical concerns including heat and boiler reliability, potential change‑of‑use permitting (the building is currently classified as a school), and the impact on electric bills. One member suggested a month‑to‑month trial and monitoring of the next utility bill; another asked the recreation club to be cautious about turning the heat up during practices.

The board approved the request as presented and encouraged the recreation club to pursue fundraising and grant options to offset utilities and maintenance; one member offered to donate their stipend to the club and another suggested bottle‑drop fundraisers.

The board also directed staff and the building committee to provide information about heating zones and zoning or permitting requirements before long‑term occupancy decisions are made.