October 20, 2022 |
Hanna’s recreation director has asked the town council to rename the rec center in honor of the region’s history of coal production.
The Town of Hanna owes its very existence to coal. Founded during the coal boom in 1889 to house miners and their families, coal is an integral part of the town’s identity.
Hanna’s new Recreation Center Director Mike Armstrong said he would like to recognize the town’s connection to the coal industry. To do this, he recommends renaming the Hanna Town Recreation Center to the Hanna Miner Memorial Parks and Recreation Center.
Pictured above: File photo Hanna, Wyoming, sign. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigoot 99.
Built in 1982 by the Carbon County Coal Company, the rec center was a way to attract people to the town. Armstrong said folks from across the country were drawn to Hanna for work. The rec center was a welcome addition.
When the demand for coal subsided in the 1990’s, the rec center was donated to the town.
Renaming the rec center was brought up at the September 13th Hanna Town Council meeting. It was tabled until the next meeting, where it could be presented in the form of a resolution. Unfortunately for Armstrong, an accident outside of town canceled the October 11th meeting.
While one person was airlifted from the scene, Armstrong said he thinks everyone survived the crash.
According to Armstrong, this type of thing has never happened before.
The name change hasn’t officially taken effect yet, but Armstrong is confident the town council will pass the resolution. Until that time, he doesn’t want to jinx anything.
The Hanna Town Council will meet again on November 15th to decide the matter.
