Doors close temporarily at popular public rec center in Beaufort. Here’s what’s going on
The Charles Lind Brown Center — a county-run recreation center in Beaufort where basketball, swimming and pickleball are popular — is getting $182,000 in renovations, with the improvements closing its doors for several weeks.
The building, constructed in the 1970s, is old and needs repairs, said Chuck Atkinson, assistant county administrator of development and recreation.
Ceiling tiles have been popping out and water is leaking into the building.
“It’s just a safety issue,” Atkinson said. “When we have ceilings pop open, we can’t have the public in there like that.”
The center at 1001 Hamar St. in the Northwest Quadrant neighborhood has indoor and outdoor basketball courts, an outdoor swimming pool and meeting space. It will be closed until May 22.
Interior renovations and exterior drainage fixes are planned including:
▪ Remodeling the community room, including the kitchen and restrooms, so they comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
▪ Replacing ceilings and painting throughout the building.
▪ Installing a rubberized floor in the weight room.
▪ Replacing the drainage system between the back of the building and the pool to prevent water from entering the building, a long-time problem.
Over the past year or so, a group of residents calling themselves Friends of the Charles Lind Brown Center have lobbied the county for improvements to the building and programming for neighborhood residents.
“I am pleased with anything and everything they can do to make that center a more representative place to do community activities, whatever that may be,” said Mitch Mitchell, a member of the group and a Beaufort City Council member.
Inside the facility, work on the ceiling and paint should be done within the next week, allowing portions of the building to reopen. Work in the community room is expected to take an additional three weeks, while the improvements to the remaining restrooms and weight room will continue through June 30.
Bids for the drainage work are due in May, but an award will not be made until after July 1.
The pool and building will be open during the work, which will take about six weeks.
