A local community centre that was vaulted into local headlines in late 2019 after a recommended plan for its demolition has stepped up efforts to put its money where its mouth is with a GoFundMe fundraising campaign that aims to address some of the buildingâs most critical deficiencies.
Donations are currently being sought on behalf of Park Community Centre through a variety of avenues in an attempt to raise $50,000. According to a GoFundMe page setup for the campaign on behalf of the Centre this week, the funds would be used to repair floor beams and other parts of the Centre while also âshow(ing) the city in no uncertain terms that the Park CC will not be demolished.â
Brandon City Council had been presented a report at a mid-December council meeting that recommended the Centreâs demolition, citing repair costs initially in the range of $60k - $110k to allow a building capacity of 40 or $130k+ for a capacity of 143 persons. Further future repairs including to the buildingâs Roof Structure, Electrical and Mechanical/HVAC system are said come with additional estimated future costs of $152k - $180k. Building demolition is estimated to cost between $70k and $100k.
Council voted to table a decision to allow for a public consultation process on the Centreâs future in the new year, a report from which would come to council at a future meeting. According to a post on Park CCâs Facebook page, a come-and-go public consultation on the Centreâs future is expected to take place this month with date and time to be announced.
The GoFundMe, which as of the time of this posting shows $625 raised from 6 donors, can be reviewed at https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-park-community-centre
Donations are also being accepted via Park CCâs Facebook page, with a note posted on Wednesday to an ongoing eBrandon discussion thread referencing the possibility to arrange cash or e-transfer contributions.
According to a press release distributed on behalf of Park Community Centre late Thursday afternoon, the online campaign is the first part of a wider fundraising campaign that is to also include direct asks, corporate sponsorships and fundraising events.
An earlier petition to support saving the 73-year-old Centre had received 2,657 signatures.
Updated: Feb 6, 5:33pm. Further details on campaign