I was glad to learn Iola commissioners are re-evaluating whether to put $155,000 of insurance money toward a new floor in the recreation building in Riverside Park.
Now that it has flooded three times in the last seven months, the odds aren’t good we’ve seen the last of high water there.
I suppose I’m beholden to the massive building just because of its history as a Works Progress Administration project and its Art Deco architecture, but even those unique qualities can’t disguise the fact that it’s somewhat of a money pit.
Do we need a venue for sports and recreation? Absolutely. And already there are those looking ahead to how a new elementary in the mix can free up space elsewhere.
As for the recreation building maybe it, too, could be repurposed so that the demands on it aren’t so great.
If it were converted into a giant shelter house it could withstand the elements better. Perhaps we could keep the original arched ceiling and then open up the walls and use a concrete slab for a floor. It could then provide much-needed shade or protection from rain in a heavily trafficked area, especially during the county fair.
By being in the park, the building is naturally suited for outdoor-related activities such as picnicking and family reunions.
With this kind of construction, the public restrooms could still be retained — and even more added — and what is now the gymnasium could be converted into an open-air space conducive for farmers markets or outdoor concerts with plenty of space for seating, etc.
Of course, I didn’t think this up, but stole it from downtown Nashville where on Saturdays its farmers markets are held in such a pavilion. High up in the ceiling are super large fans that provide needed air movement, in addition to the open-wall plan.
Frequently small bands are set up in empty stalls to make the atmosphere all the more lively.
Like Iola, Nashville gets hot and steamy during the summer. But with the over-sized fans and the shade it’s a great deal more tolerable.
While I like Iola’s farmers market on the downtown square, with no shade it gets beastly hot on a summer evening. And when it rains, it’s a bummer.
Not so with a pavilion. Rain or shine, events stay on schedule.
OF COURSE I have no idea if it’s possible to convert the community building into such a facility. I only put this out there as one of many such conversations buzzing about town.
