I am writing to address the future of the Fifth Street Gym, a vital resource our city should not overlook. As a member of the Brookings Park & Recreation Board, I have been advocating for the city to acquire this facility. At a recent board meeting, 25-30 community members attended to show their support, yet it seems their voices made little impact on the city’s decision.

When the city commissioned a costly master plan study for the Parks and Recreation Department, residents identified indoor recreation as their second-highest priority, after bike trails. Since the closure of the Armory, I have worked tirelessly to secure the Fifth Street Gym for community use. Nearly every comparable city in our state has a recreation or aquatic center; we lack even a city-owned gymnasium.

Three months ago, the school offered the Fifth Street Gym to the city, but the offer was declined due to repair costs. However, the city’s published figures appear inflated. Repairs could be phased in over time, spreading costs and allowing for long-term budgeting.

The potential uses for the gym extend far beyond athletics. It could host farmers’ markets, dances, craft fairs, auctions, pop-up shops, athletic camps, tournaments, and more. These events would attract visitors, boosting our local economy by bringing business to restaurants, motels, and shops.

This building, valued at approximately $7 million, could be ours for $1.5 to $2 million in repair costs. It is an opportunity we cannot afford to ignore. I urge residents to contact city officials and express support for acquiring and renovating the Fifth Street Gym. Let’s invest in a facility that will benefit our community for generations.