Albany officials seek input on $8.5 million Henderson Gym project

ALBANY – When he was a child, Albany City Commissioner Demetrius Young would ride his bicycle the mile and a half from his home for activities at the Henderson Community Center. Now he is looking to oversee the demolition of the nearly 50-year-old structure that has been part of south Albany for generations.

Completed in 1978 Henderson Gym has been identified as needing renovation for years. Because of its age and its location in a flood plain, renovations would be costly for the old building and consensus has moved to replacing it altogether.

On Thursday, Young and the Albany Recreation and Parks Department will hold a town hall meeting to get input from the community on the project. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the 701 Willard Ave. facility.

“It’s going to be totally demolished, and we’re going to build a brand new facility with exercise space and classroom space,” the Ward VI commissioner said. “Really, we’re hoping to expand our recreational opportunities to ensure that kids, especially kids on the south side, have those opportunities. Those kids need a lot more mentors and time with mentors and coaches.

“While sports and recreational opportunities are the draw, we really want to have space to provide more academic and mentoring opportunities.”

Pointing to an upstairs area overlooking the basketball court that contains a treadmill and just a few more pieces of equipment, Young said that the adult and senior exercise area also will get enhancements.

Henderson is the next recreation project for the Albany City Commission. Currently Driskell Park renovations are underway. The Henderson project is expected to cost about $8.5 million, about the same as the extensive renovations and construction project at Driskell Park.

The estimated costs have risen sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but the city has received state grants to cover some recreation improvement costs. Most of the funds are expected to come from special-purpose local-option sales tax (SPLOST) collections.

Design is about 65% complete, and Young said he is looking for the public’s input to help finalize the plans.

“The town hall is to give them more input because we’re getting down to the end,” he said. “One of the things the public will be able to weigh in on is the appearance of the building.”

The interior will house a traditional gym with a basketball court, along with space for adult fitness, classroom space and room for arts and crafts. Outside, Young said he is hoping for a dual outdoor basketball/pickleball court and a multi-use field that can also be used for soccer.

Young said he also is excited about the recreation department’s program that allows students to participate in sports representing their schools.

“In that way, you can build community because most of the parents whose kids are involved in sports, those parents are involved in their child’s education,” he said. “That’s what we’re doing: community building.”

The commissioner reminisced about his days at the current facility and the epic basketball battles that took place between some of the city’s talented players.

“It’s going to be sad to see it go away,” Young said. “It’s going to be bigger and better. It’s going to be a first-class facility. That’s one of the things I campaigned (on), was recreation, because it has so much to do with your community.”

Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]