Marion’s Community Center Renovations Are Shaping Up Nicely
The first two phases of renovation of the Barnett-King Community Center in Marion are just about complete after first being announced in 2023. The structure formally housed Fort W. David Cobb until a new armory was constructed in southern Marion.
The old Alabama National Guard Armory on Washington Street is having its interior gutted and repairs are being made to the aging facility. $500,000 in funding for the project were secured last November by 7th Congressional District, Democrat Congresswoman Terri Sewell.
According to County Commissioner Albert Lee Turner, Jr. “Phase one is to take care of the interior of the facility. Phase two will be taking care of the AC, the electrical heat and air."
When completed, the facility will include a multi-purpose room — a rec room — an exercise room — kitchen and meeting space — bathrooms — and eventually a public pool.
Turner says the Barnett-King Community Center — will serve as a much-needed centrally located hub for the entire community. He adds that the city will be encouraged to use it just as much as the county.
Turner adds that the first two of four phases of the project will be completed in time to use the structure for the May 19th party primary voting.
Sewell has also provided more than $3.5 million for renovating the Uniontown Health Center in Uniontown in Perry County. This project is transforming the existing facility into a modern, fully equipped medical center.
The funds are from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are administered by ADECA.
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