The county has a new community center. Now, the county has to figure out what to offer there and who will manage it.

A workshop was held last Thursday by the county commission to discuss the options and hear from residents.

The county acquired the 22-acre property that was previously home to New Life Church on May 24.

“The county got an excellent bargain on a future,” said Doug Jones, public services director.

The county has the option of running the community center as a public partnership with another group.

Wakulla Public Services, Leon County Parks and Recreation, Boys and Girls Club of Big Bend and Capital Region YMCA have all expressed an interest in managing the facility.

Each group presented a management model to the commission either at the meeting or in writing.

The YMCA model would involve membership fees or participation fees. YMCA would run the center as a zero based facility. The idea is not to make money, but to be able to pay for the programs offered, said Ken Franklin, president of Capital Region YMCA.

Franklin added that this isn’t their first time starting up a facility, but they would need direction from the board on what programs would be offered. And wouldn’t be able to start right away. A plan would have to be developed first.

Wakulla County Parks and Recreation Department Director Ray Gray said the department would also run as a zero-based program.

He added that programs are already in place in the county that could be held at the community center.

“We already have staff on board,” Gray said. “If we had to start July 1, we’re ready.”

Volunteer groups in the county have also expressed an interest in the community center.

Volunteer Wakulla Inc. would like to have an office at the community center to be able to offer their services.

This group offered their volunteers to assist with staffing needs and provide a focal point for residents in the county who wish to volunteer with other groups and non-profit organizations within the county.

The county commission asked that the YMCA and the parks and recreation department come up with a development plan for the community center.

County Administrator Ben Pingree said, “Show us why we should develop with you.”

The commissioners agreed that they do not have the funds to renovate and restructure the center, but would like to utilize it, as is, for now.

The facility will continue to be used for programs already offered in the county until the board makes a decision on its future.

Commissioner Lynn Artz said the county should try and use the center as much as possible through the summer.

She added that the board needs to develop a comprehensive plan for the community center and what they would like to see for the future of the center.

Nearly 650 surveys have been completed regarding the community center.

Out of 457 surveys, 38 percent said they would pay $25 for an annual membership fee, 31 percent for $50, 12 percent for $75 and 19 percent for $100.

Out of 420 people who responded, 82 percent want a swimming pool, 82 percent want a playground, 70 percent want a walking trail and 67 percent want a gymnasium.