Family Y wants to run center

Grovetown officials are considering allowing the Family Y to take over operation of Liberty Park Community Center.

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At Monday's monthly meeting, city council members agreed to discuss allowing the Family Y to manage the community center on Newmantown Road and bring new programs to the facility.

"Our interest in coming to Grovetown has been one for a while," said Danny McConnell, the president and CEO of the Family Y.

Liberty Park, which has baseball fields and an indoor basketball court, would complement a facility planned in the nearby Gateway area at Interstate 20 and Lewiston Road.

Columbia County officials agreed to build a Gateway exhibition hall and allow the Family Y to rent about 20,000 square feet.

Grovetown officials were concerned that Family Y officials plan to take over Liberty Park, only to leave once the Gateway facility is complete.

"What nobody wants is for you to pull out of Liberty Park when you get to the Gateway," Councilman Sonny McDowell said.

McConnell said the Family Y is looking for a more permanent situation and is willing to commit funds to lease the building long-term.

"We're not looking for a one-year relationship," McConnell said.

Nothing has been finalized, but officials from the city and Family Y agreed to continue discussions.

"It is kind of like shaking hands on a deal and working out the details later," McDowell said.