The town of Hoffman doesn’t have a Parks and Recreation Center at this time but look to have one soon - maybe even by the fall.

In 2009 the Hoffman School building was sold to the town for the price of $1, two years after Mayor Pro-Tem Tommy Hart approached the office of RCS Associate Superintendent Dr. Robert Beck about getting the building.

“We are pushing forward with the idea,” said Mayor Jo Ann Jasper Thomas.

“We want to at least have basketball set up ... and we will be utilizing the softball field,” said Councilman Daniel T. Kelly.

The town was informed that the building could not be used to house another school whether it was public or private for the next 50 years.

Taking those precautions seriously Thomas said back then, “We don’t want to spend a bunch of money and make improvements to the building, then do something wrong and have it revert back to them (the Richmond County School System).”

By taking their time, the plans for the town look hopeful.

According to Kelly, renovations have been made over time to keep the building in good shape.

“We sealed up the areas where heat and air could get out,” he said. “We need more renovations done but we are keeping it up.”

The building is not being used on a daily basis so no daily clean up is being required at this time.

The town may have over a million dollars in their fund balance, but the utilities for the building aren’t over the top.

“The electricity for the building was about $275 a month,” Kelly said. “We are continuing to do renovations at this time, and we are looking over ideas.”

The council is still seeking the public’s help and support. Donations are accepted and can be given at the Town Hall.

“We need an updated score board in the gym. We are asking for donations and hopefully someone may be able to donate the whole score board,” Thomas said.

“The building should be put to use,” Thomas said. “The community center does have some activities but when there is another activity there, this can be a place that the children can come.”

The next town hall meeting of Hoffman will be July 12 at 7:30 p.m. where the council will discuss the next steps in this process and other business.

Hollie Nivens can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or by e-mailing at hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com