The History of the Goochland Recreational Center
Throughout history, and among a small group of people in Goochland County, The Goochland Recreational Center has supported, facilitated, and stabilized the recreational needs of the community since 1961. This privately owned and operated organization has strategically worked with other organizations to meet the needs of its community, establishing lasting relationships. This hidden jewel is known as a stellar location off route 522.
On April 5, 1961, a group of interested citizens of Goochland County met at Central Elementary School for the purpose of establishing recreational facilities for wholesome recreation for all citizens in Goochland County. In the height of the Civil Rights movement, these visionaries worked together to establish a place where all were welcomed, formulate an organization that offered help to all residents, black and white, young, or old. The mission was a powerful foundation that lifted the least for the betterment of us all.
On April 26, 1961, a mass meeting was held to seek membership and support from the citizens of the entire county to assist in the development of this recreational space. This meeting was well attended and financially supported. From this meeting the Property Committee was authorized to seek a parcel of land to build “The Center.” Eager and excitement followed this decision, a mass fundraising effort took place throughout the county, from backyard picnics, baseball games, concerts, and other various sponsored events. By May 10,1961, a good citizen by the name of Mr. Jefferson Mayo decided to sell twenty-three acres of land for $2165.00. An agreement to buy was signed and the Property Committee moved forward with lawyers to title and survey the land. May 24,1961, the official name was established as “Goochland Recreational Center”. During the summer of 1961, the Goochland Recreational Center sponsored its first Red Cross water safety and swimming lessons class. This class took place at Mealy’s pond; and physicals were conducted by Dr. James Bowles’ Sr. On September 13, 1961, the land was cleared, and a 2-acre pond and baseball diamond were erected. The 12th grade students at Central High School made the first official sign for the Goochland Recreational Center. All male members from all walks in life agreed to donate a day’s salary to upkeep the grounds. This was only the beginning of a bright future for this recreational space, increasing numbers of members, and a fun recreational place for all to enjoy.
1962-1964, Goochland Recreational Center was incorporated. This was a year full of additions, including the installation of a gravel driveway, pond was stocked with fish, two outdoor toilets were constructed, a playground was installed, concession stand, and a picnic shelter was built. These enhancements, brought in significant revenue for the Center. March 1967, the bulldozers broke ground for the actual Goochland Recreational Center, starting with digging out a space for the basement. Members continued to work hard to sponsor fundraising events to support the initiative. Boat rides and fishing contests took place on the pond, while the fields were full of people watching the baseball game, played between Goochland Recreational Center and Cartersville. The 4th of July event would become the most successful fundraising event and celebration for the organization.
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In conclusion, the rich history of the Goochland Recreational Center has been important to Goochland and surrounding counties for generations. This building has hosted and supported various business opportunities in the county; including Goochland Industries an industry manufacturing women clothing, which employed many community members, home to the first Head Start Program in the county, and offices for The Capital Area Agency on Aging, Goochland County Community Action Committee, just to name a few collaborating partnerships. The cooperative mechanisms of this low resource organization have excelled beyond the vision anyone could dream of creating economic growth and development for all people.
This pioneer group consisted of James H. Bowles, Sr. M.D., Messrs, Warren Bolling, Manual Daniels, Frank Gabbin, Milton F. Hill, Charles Ellis, W. Broadus Fleming, Arkell R. Roane, Lloyd Harris, Thomas H. Owens, Calvin C. Snead, Charlie E. Tucker, Mmes, Aretha M. Bowles, Fannie Mealy Beale, Myrtle Bolling, Alberta Jackson, Alice H. Jackson, Louise B. Mealy, Mabel Mealy, Helen Mitchell, Agnes. R Roane, Edith Shelton,Josephine Y. Willis.