Proposal To Keep Recreation Travel Gymnastics Program Alive

The Rome Floyd Parks and Recreation advisory board revealed a proposal to save the county’s travel gymnastic program after it was announced in June that it was at risk of being canceled.

Parks and Recreation Director Todd Wofford presented a proposal to the board on Tuesday detailing how the department would close the gap in its finances in the next year.

The proposal includes hiring a new head coach, restarting the program’s booster club, hosting two local events and increasing monthly fees in January 2025. The proposal would have monthly fees increase by $75.

Advisory board chair Mike Burns said that the proposal would then be reevaluated in 10 to 12 months to see if it closed the financial gap.

Advisory board member Jimmy Smith said that when he left the June board meeting he had been convinced the program would be cut. But for the changes to work, Smith said, they will have to reinvigorate the dormant booster club. Smith proposed that every parent be required to join the booster club to help with fundraising for the program.

A few parents at the meeting expressed frustration over the significant increase in fees. Many stated that the increase would result in girls leaving the program.

Smith stated that the goal for the program is to have 70 gymnasts; there are currently 32 in the program. He predicted that after the Olympics airs the number will grow, after young girls see U.S. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles in action.

Parents also complained that the advisory board didn’t give them enough time to review the proposal before voting, stating that the proposal was only sent out on Monday night.

After a long discussion, the board voted to present the proposal to the county commission for approval.

“We need to give it a try and see if it’s feasible for everybody and equitable for everybody,” Smith said.

Burns shared that the department expects to finish interviews for a new head coach on Wednesday.