Digging in: Groundbreaking marks start of community, teen center project

FORT BRANCH — Robin Angermeier is a little emotional when she’s asked about how many lives she thinks the 5th Quarter program for teens at South Gibson Community and Teen Center has touched.

It’s just one program housed in the former Twig House gymnasium preserved for community use.

The well-used gym was deemed in great need of updates, and after Gibson County Redevelopment Commission pledged use of up to $4.03 million in Patoka-Union Township tax increment finance revenue, those updates are going to happen.

Monday, volunteer members of the facility’s board joined county and community officials in celebrating the groundbreaking.

Bill Knapp, president of the facility’s board, said earlier this summer that architect Kale Calvert hopes to have bid documents ready in November, and if bids are awarded in January 2023, construction would start as soon as weather permits.

Monday he welcomed supporters to the groundbreaking, detailing some of the work in store: a new heating and air conditioning system, roofing and insulation, new lights and new electrical wiring, new gym floor and an addition on the west side of the building that will provide a warming kitchen, a meeting room and ADA-compliant bathrooms.

“With these improvements, this facility will improve the lives of the citizens of Gibson County through social and physical activities,” he said.

He thanked county commissioners who endorsed the project as a candidate for TIF funding and the redevelopment commission for the funding, South Gibson School Corporation which provided ground on the west side of the building, Union Township Advisory Board and Trusee, Fort Branch Town Council and the Old Fort Branch Gym board of directors.

Knapp said Arevon and Tenaska solar development companies have also pledged $50,000 toward the project upon its completion and the completion of the companies’ solar development project.

Angermeier detailed the 5th Quarter program open to teens following home sporting events, and offered a tour of the gym following the groundbreaking.

Read the full article here.

Source: Princeton Daily Clarion