Parks, Rec gets renovations

Christmastime typically brings new shiny toys for children, and this year the children in Russellville are receiving new shiny flooring and a fresh coat of paint at Russellville Parks and Recreation centers, just in time for basketball season.

Renovations are being completed at the Ralph C. Bishop Center and at the Chucky Mullins Center, with each receiving updated paint in the lobbies and offices.

“These renovations were long past due,” said Parks and Recreation Director Donnie Flanagan.

Flanagan said in the spring new flooring was installed at the gymnasium, and the outside of the buildings were painted as well.

“With basketball season coming up, we want to make sure everything is pretty,” Flanagan said.

In addition to new paint for the walls, each gymnasium also received a painted Russellville Golden Tiger symbol to inspire school spirit.

“We are trying to get these kids excited to go play at the high school level one day,” Flanagan said. “We thought it was really good to add to encourage school spirit and make the kids feel included in Russellville athletics.”

Parks and Recreation Coach Tim Cleveland said the overall look of the facilities has improved drastically in a short period of time.

“It has been a big relief to see these improvements,” Cleveland said. “It has come a long way from where it was a few years ago.”

A few basketball teams are already practicing, but Flanagan said workers are making sure to finish painting in plenty of time before the young players arrive.

Flanagan said the total cost to renovate each center was about $35,000 a piece. Renovations are expected to be complete within the next two weeks.