Volunteer Help Sought for Senior Center

Jasper County has applied for a Community Development Block Grant to renovate and expand the Jasper County Senior Center.

The grant will take care of many of the issues inside the building, and allow room for growth for the center that is busting at the seams.

However, the grant will not pay for the work that needs to be done around the building, and although the Senior Center requested SPLOST funds to cover some of the needs, in initial talks those funds have been cut. And, voters will have to approve the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) in November for whatever projects are included.

Volunteers are being sought to do what work can be handled with volunteer equipment and labor, thereby not burdening the taxpayers.

Above is a preliminary site plan for the the outdoor recreation area at Jasper County Senior Center.

It includes the following:

•Parking lot asphalted— current parking is gravel-based product that is not safe for those with mobility issues – $50,000.

•Improve existing 26’ x 22’ pavilion area – screening, paint, repair, ceiling fans, electricity – $4,000

•Expand pavilion area + 10’ x 26’ (for a total area of 32’ x 26’ to seat 40) – 260 sf x $50/sf – $13,000

•Improve outdoor space

a. Grading so that back yard is more level – $5,000

b. Walking Trail development – $5,000

c. Landscaping including barriers between Sheriff’s Office/Jail and our Center (we currently have little to none) – $4,000

d. Improve Americans with Disabilities Act and Center Signage – $3,000

“We already have citizens who have volunteered numerous hours toward this and we want to keep the momentum,” said Tracy Norton, Senior Center director. The next step is grading.

Anyone who can help with the project is asked to contact Mrs. Norton at 706-468-7507.