The Gorum Community Center has begun initial efforts to renovate its property as board members work to restore and expand the facility for future community use.
Mark Kerry, president of the Gorum Community Center, said the organization assumed ownership of the former Gorum High School property in 1983, after the school closed in 1980 and the land was transferred from the Natchitoches Parish School Board. Kerry noted that while little improvement was made to the site for many years, the current board is now active and engaged in moving the project forward.
The first phase of renovations focuses on replacing aging tin sheets on the roof and walls of the old shop building. According to Kerry, new tin will be installed once approval is received from the Natchitoches Parish Planning and Zoning Commission. The center has raised some funds to begin the work and is seeking additional donations as well as volunteers to assist with the project.
Once the roof and walls are completed, the board plans to raise funds for interior improvements. Future phases include installing a ceiling, creating a kitchen area, building restrooms, and adding HVAC systems. Long-term plans also include finishing the interior space and developing a recreational area with basketball goals and tennis or volleyball nets.
Kerry expressed appreciation to those who have already contributed time and support to the project, including Henry Troquille, Cynthia Garsee, Chris Williams, Joey Troquille, Kenneth Sherman Kerry, Jerry Bolton, Brian Nichols, and Dexter Goynes.
