Monday, March 16, 2026 |
Photo – Recreation center in Hanna – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Hanna Town Council voted to repair the vacant recreation center while they wait for a legal opinion about its use.
Last month, Hanna Recreation Board member Dorn Hetzel announced the formation of the Friends of the Hanna Recreation Center. Hetzel and the other members formed the nonprofit organization to take over operations of the town’s shuttered recreation center.
The Friends of the Hanna Recreation Center outlined plans to reopen portions of the facility, starting with the weight room and restrooms. As a nonprofit entity, the group would staff the building entirely with volunteers, a cost‑cutting approach the town was legally unable to use. Operational costs would be covered through donations and membership fees.
The governing body appeared supportive of Hetzel’s plan but raised concerns about liability. The Friends of the Hanna Recreation Center would provide insurance for its volunteers and members, while the town would need to continue carrying the facility under its governmental property insurance policy. As a result, the Council postponed a decision until they could consult with the town attorney.
The Hanna Town Council held a special meeting on February 23rd to consider the proposal. At that time, Mayor Charlie George said a decision would have to wait until the governing body, the town attorney, and the full Friends of the Hanna Recreation Center board can meet to discuss the matter in more detail.
The governing body unanimously voted to table the proposal.
The matter was brought up once again during the March 10th Hanna Town Council meeting. Mayor George said he was still waiting to speak to the town attorney. While the proposal appeared straightforward, the mayor said the question is more complex than originally thought.
Councilman David Felix said South Central Wyoming EMS, SCWEMS, had expressed interest in leasing a portion of the recreation center as well. Councilwoman Ellen Freeman questioned the legality of dividing the building between SCWEMS and the Friends of the Recreation Center. Mayor Charlie George said the town attorney will need to address those questions, adding that selling the building would be less burdensome for the town.
The governing body once again voted to table the proposal.
Later in the meeting, Mayor George presented a $2,800 invoice from Bow River Gutters, a Hanna‑based roofing contractor, for repairs to the recreation center’s roof drain. The mayor explained that the existing drain is no longer connected to the gutter system, allowing water to pour directly into the building.
Mayor George said the work was too complex for the town’s public works crew to handle.
The Town Council agreed that the building must be protected until it can be sold and approved the $2,800 invoice. The money will come from funding already allocated for recreation center maintenance.
Mayor George spoke to the town attorney on Thursday, March 12th, but had not yet received a definitive answer on the matter.
