July 17, 2024 |
Photo – Hanna Recreation Center – Bigfoot99 file photo
In Hanna, maintenance issues have come up as town officials prepare to close its recreation center.
The Hanna Recreation Center was constructed by the coal companies when mining was in full swing and thousands of people called Hanna home. After the coal mines closed, the rec center was gifted to the town.
Decades after the mines closed, Hanna has a population of less than 700 people. What was once the centerpiece of the northern Carbon County town, is now a heavy financial burden. The facility costs approximately $300,000 a year to operate—money the town does not have.
On top of the normal operational costs, the town was also facing additional expenses to repair out-of-date electrical systems. Repairs were estimated at roughly $50,000.
With costs mounting, Mayor Jayson Nordquist made the tough decision last month to close the facility.
July 31st is the final day the rec center will be open to the public. Hanna officials said they wanted to use this year’s King Coal Days as a final celebration for the beloved facility.
Until then, the rec center is open for use on weekday evenings. However, maintenance problems are becoming an issue.
During the July 9th Hanna town council meeting, Town Clerk Vivian Gonzales said a recent inspection revealed three items that need repair, including a nonfunctioning hot water heater, damage to the women’s locker room, and broken siding.
Clerk Gonzales said the inspector was unable to pinpoint the source of the water leak.
When the decision was made to close the rec center, the governing body said the building will remain available for special events, such as food distribution. However, the current maintenance issues may force the town to either spend more money on the facility or close it permanently.
