Augusta leaders get a look at Brigham Community Center renovations
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - We’re getting a look at renovations happening over at the Henry Brigham Community Center.
On Wednesday, Augusta Department of Parks and Recreation staff took city leaders on a tour for all of the progress.
Back in 2022, the center closed to start the multimillion-dollar project.
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“Fire Station 3′s launch will boost our emergency services with cutting-edge technology, reinforcing our swift, effective community safety response,” said Fire Chief Antonio Burden.
It’s a night and day difference for the Henry Brigham Center, compared to December 2022.
The original projected price was $8.3 million, and it came in slightly over budget at $8.6 million to $8.7 million.
Doors to the new Henry Brigham Community Center will open in late May or early June.
There was lots of excitement from all the leadership on Wednesday’s tour, but this building is also a huge heart for the surrounding community.
The Heard family comes here to walk whenever they can.
“It is very special because I have health issues and I have to stay active and it’s not very far from my house. This is where I come out for my activity. I bring my wife out here, this is my brother right here, he had a heart attack and we bring him out here to get his exercise and get him back into rhythm again” said Bobby Heard, who lives nearby.
The new gym can hold 500 people, and locker rooms are to be equipped with a sauna and steam room. Included inside is a dance room, weight room and an e-sports room with computers for kids to use.
Interim Takiyah Douse said: “If you know anyone that’s a gamer out there, this facility is going to have apparatuses that no other facility in the region has so we’re definitely working on being cutting edge.”
But more importantly, made to last.
“This is something that will take us well into 40, 50, 60 years from now and it’ll still be good for the community. We just need to upkeep it and keep things in good shape and it’ll be good for us,” said District 5 Commissioner Bobby Williams.
Upgrades to the swimming pool building next door and the outside track and playgrounds are also in the talks. The main building is already over budget, so city leaderships need to look toward the special purpose tax to pay for it.
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