Wilkes County Recreation Center
Washington, Georgia
Project Data:

cost: $467,000
completed: January 2003
Design-Bid-Build

Contacts:

David Tyler,
Wilkes County Board of Commissioners
(706) 678-2511

Anne S. Floyd
Director of Local Government Services
CSRA Regional Development Center
(706) 210-2015

The Wilkes County Recreation Center is truly a story of an old building rising from the ashes to once again offer health, safety, care and comfort to the young people of Washington, Georgia.

The Wilkes Academy was established in the mid 1900's which served as a small primary school in the County. In the 1970's a gymnasium was added to the expanding campus. Unfortunately, the Wilkes Academy School later closed and the property began to slump into a state of disrepair and neglect. George Grimaud, the Chairman of the BOC had a vision for this historic institution. He became the scriptwriter for a dream come true in the heart of the CSRA.

Us ing CDBG monies, in-kind labor, and matching funds, Wilkes County commissioned Hill Design Associates to help complete this very important project. The old metal building formally used as a gymnasium had not only deteriorated with the lack of use, it suffered a vandalism fire and was partially destroyed. However, this building was destined to become the new headquarters for the County Parks and Recreation department.

Working with Phillip Tanner, the Director of Parks and Recreation, we designed the “Re-creation” of this historic property. The gymnasium was modernized in every way. We selected and specified a complete commercial kitchen for concessions and to service the large dining/multipurpose room. We included a new athletic floor system for the gym as well as retractable and telescoping basketball goals. On one side of the facility a indoor retractable batting/pitching cage was installed. Modern CCVT and life safety equipment was also included.

The new Wilkes County Parks and Rec department stands as a shining phoenix and will be a very impactful landmark in the community for many years to come.