Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
Photo – Hanna rec center – Bigfoot99 file photo
The head of the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation outlined challenges of repurposing Hanna’s former recreation center.
During the February 10th Hanna Town Council meeting, Carbon County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Yvonne Johnson provided the governing body with an update on recent work by her organization. Johnson began by assuring elected officials and residents that the Economic Development Corporation has not given up on the Hanna Recreation Center.
Built in 1983 during the coal boom, the Hanna Recreation Center once served thousands of residents, but by 2024 had only about 30 members left. With operational costs of roughly $300,000 a year and impact assistance money running out, the town closed the facility on July 31st, 2024. Since then, the building has sat vacant and has continued to deteriorate.
Last year, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality hired Ayres Associates to determine what options, if any, were available to redevelop the former Hanna Recreation Center.
In August, the Wisconsin‑based engineering consulting firm presented the governing body with a 10‑page report outlining two possibilities for the building: find someone willing to convert the facility into a factory space or demolish it. At least one Council member favored demolition, but Ayres Associates representative Mike Scholl estimated the cost at more than $600,000, money the town does not have.
Back at the February 10th meeting, Yvonne Johnson said Ayres Associates would like the Council to make a decision about the rec center.
Johnson said since Ayres Associates presented its report, she has been searching for someone willing to take over the building or to provide funding to demolish it. While her efforts have not been entirely successful, Johnson said she will continue to pursue every possible option.
Johnson called for patience as she continues working to find a buyer or secure demolition funding, acknowledging that the town is still paying to maintain the former recreation center. Councilman Sam Sikes urged the Economic Development Director to move quickly and suggested transforming the facility into a community center.
Johnson said Ayres Associates may be exploring ways to market the structure online. Councilman Sam Sikes said selling the building may not be the best option for the town.
Following those less encouraging updates, Johnson shared one positive development. The Economic Development Corporation Executive Director announced that local Conoco gas stations have been sold to a buyer from Utah. Johnson said she is in talks with the new owner about opening a station in Hanna to replace the town’s single fuel‑pump.
With that news, Johnson concluded her presentation to the Hanna Town Council.
As reported by Bigfoot99, Hanna Recreation Board member Dorn Hetzel has established a nonprofit organization intended to assume management of the shuttered facility. The Friends of the Hanna Recreation Center hopes to enter into an agreement with the town to gradually reopen portions of the building, beginning with the weight room and gymnasium. The nonprofit is scheduled to meet with the Hanna Town Council tomorrow evening to finalize the details of the proposed arrangement.
