Strategic Plan In Place To Help Local Rec Centers But Yusuf Hakeem Says The Needs Are Now Not In 2016

CHATTANOOGA,TN, (WDEF)- Residents say it starts outside with a lack of speed bumps and inside its damaged padding on gym walls, scratched floors and ripped furniture.

"We have waited long enough and in fact that is the problem"

City Council’s Yusef Hakeem says he understands that there are more than a dozen rec centers in the region but feels this one needs improvement right now.

"Talk about the floor, it needs replacing, gym mats that are just torn apart, areas for our seniors to participate in activities"

The complex has received new tables and blinds for their dining hall windows.
 Hakeem says there are 14 other areas that need addressing that cannot wait until 2016.

A gym with no air conditioning, a tennis court and basketball hoops without nets and a lack of mulch for the playground are all immediate concerns at Eastdale.

Brent Goldberg, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, City of Chattanooga,"The next several months we will have a really strategic plan in place to address capital needs for all 18 YFD centers across the city"

    Goldberg says he’s aware of these extra problems at Eastdale and other facilities as many are more than 50 years old.

"Why we want to do it strategically because if we do it piece meal and do things here and there and replace something at this center ad-hoc and this center ad-hoc, you don’t create a strategic plan that can be maintained for years"

Goldberg says he is unsure of when or if his strategic plan will be implemented.
     He added all 18 centers will be assessed before the end of year.

Hakeem added these centers are the heart of many Chattanooga communities and this is a need not a want for his constituents.