Concerns surface as City of Abilene weighs options to reconstruct GV Daniels, Caesar Chavez rec centers

ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – As part of an approved $28 million bond to upgrade Abilene’s recreation centers, the city is looking into the logistics of teardowns and rebuilds.

Above: (Left to right) GV Daniels Recreation Center, Caesar Chavez Recreation Center (courtesy of the City of Abilene)

In a briefing Monday morning, the city proposed simultaneous demolition which could cut costs of reconstruction by about 5%.

However, concerns have come forward in the way of job stability for city park employees.

To avoid laying off city parks employees, city manager Robert Hanna proposed an undisclosed plan.

“The good news is we put together a plan that would give anybody who wants to stay an opportunity to stay with the City of Abilene. So really, trying to keep our people. They’re good employees that work hard, and I want to make sure they have a safe harbor when this happens,” Hanna said.

Parents are also concerned about taking away after school programs. GV Daniels Rec Center hosts a 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. after school program and transportation for Thomas, Taylor, and Purcell elementaries, and Craig middle; and the Caesar Chavez Rec Center hosts a program for Ortiz students.

A public hearing for the closure of the GV Daniels and Caesar Chavez rec centers will be held this Thursday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the second floor council chambers at Abilene City Hall – located at 555 Walnut Street.

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