Residents of Carver Village in Savannah, Ga., have been anticipating a gym for over half a century, and now that aspiration is within reach. This follows the approval of an intergovernmental agreement by the Savannah City Council with Chatham County on Thursday.

The agreement gives the county three years to begin construction on city-owned land next to the Historic Carver Village Community Center.

According to the agreement, Chatham County will lease the land at a rate of $1 per year and utilize Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds to finance the construction, operation, and upkeep of the facility.

The proposed plans include a regulation-size basketball court, locker rooms, and seating areas for families. A design committee composed of community members will provide guidance throughout the project’s development.

For Gary Crawford, who runs the Carver Village Stallions youth program, the gym will mean more than just bricks and bleachers.

“Our goal is to nurture our children into both responsible citizens and skilled athletes,” Crawford stated. “We’ve always prioritized the role of the student over that of the athlete. With this gym, we can further support this by offering a space for both athletic activities and academic work.”

Crawford said parents and kids alike are excited about the project, and word is spreading quickly through the community.

“This is really a game changer for us,” he said.

Before construction begins, the county must complete final designs and secure city permit.