For many years, the Historic Carver Village community in Savannah, Ga., has lacked a local gym. Though some advancements are underway, local residents and leaders continue to advocate for the establishment of a community gym.
County leaders say SPLOST funding is in place and designs are underway, but construction still needs City Council approval.
This historic neighborhood, situated to the west of downtown Savannah, was founded in 1948 as an affordable housing option for working-class African Americans.
Chatham County Commission Chairman Chester Ellis noted that a group named the Community Action Group from Carver Village initially brought up the need for a gym to the City Council back in the 1960s.
“And, well, you know, that never happened,” Ellis said.
From that point on, Ellis said, the fight never stopped.
Gary Crawford, who grew up in Carver Village and leads the Carver Village Stallions sports program, has a personal stake in this endeavor. Over 100 children participate in activities such as football, basketball, baseball, and cheerleading.
“Many coaches use their own money to rent gym spaces,” explained Crawford. “The city occasionally provides access to a gym, but ultimately, we’re mostly based in the park.”
Crawford said the lack of indoor space has become urgent.
“Recently, we’ve been facing extreme weather conditions, impacting our ability to be outside,” he mentioned. “This past summer, we had to cancel practice on some days due to the high temperatures.”
Ellis said SPLOST 7 funding is in place for two gymnasiums. One site was originally planned off Abercorn Street, but Ellis asked commissioners to also approve one in Carver Village.
“The city owned the property,” Ellis said. “The county had the money to build the gym. So, the collaboration between the city and the county gets the gym up. We’re just waiting now until it goes before City Council to agree to the intergovernmental agreement. Once they agree to the intergovernmental agreement, then the county will start to put out the request for proposal to build a gymnasium.”
Ellis said the gym would connect to the Historic Carver Village Community Center. He said the gym is meant for everyone – from children in sports programs to older residents who want a safe place to stay active.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said he supports more recreational facilities citywide but added that other neighborhoods also lack resources.
“Carver Village ten years ago, said they wanted to expand their community, we delivered that through SPLOST,” Johnson said. “I say if they have a gym and they have someone who’s going to buy that gym, county wants to fund that gym with their unused SPLOST money, then make us a proposal and give us the money. We will build the gym, and we will operate the gym.”
The proposal must go before City Council before construction can begin.
“This whole project, if it is done, we are talking generations will now be enjoying what we have in this community,” Crawford said.
