(Riverton, Wyo.) – The Riverton School Board Tuesday heard an update from Superintendent Terry Snyder on the establishment of a local Boys and Girls Club. Snyder said he and R Recreation Director Mary Axthelm had met with officials from the Casper club earlier this month to discuss next steps.
“We need to put together thoughts for promotion of such a club within the community, develop financial planning and meet with the city’s Solutions Committee,” Snyder said. “A Boys and Girls Club is still a new topic within the community and we need to develop support for it.”
He said possible funding sources include grants, private and corporate donations and other options.
“I remain optimistic. The benefit it would provide to our community would be invaluable,” he said.
In a possible related topic, Snyder said the Tonkin Activities Center, the former Riverton High School on high school hill, would continue to be on line “this year and next year and possibly the year after. It depends on if we get monies for remodeling or demolition. We are continuing to work with several agencies for options.”
Snyder said the new administration at the city has been asking questions about the facility. “We want to vet all options before we decide on demolition.”
The superintendent said the matter would be taken up with the school facilities commission before the next school board meeting, at which he would have an update for the trustees.
He did note that the district is keeping the football bowl at the site maintained because of good community use. “Right now it serves as the community skating rink.”
Current tenants in the facility include the Wyoming Department of Education and Fremont County Board of Cooperative Education Services. The RHS Wrestling team also utilizes the gymnasium at the site.
Snyder noted the building is very expensive to heat and maintain and is considered “excess square footage” in the district.