Variety of programs bringing new life to center
The rooms of the spacious John W. Measel Center are empty now but will hopefully be full of learning and laughter in a few months time.
“We have grand plans and in our minds we can see it all coming together,” said Nedra Turney, board chairman of the Miller County Conservation District.
The John W. Measel Center at 515 Jefferson Ave., is a 12,000 square foot building owned by the Miller County Conservation District located at the junction of US Highways 67 and 82, across the street from the Gateway Farmer’s Market.
The plan is to house several different organizations that help members of the community such as the Texarkana, Ark., Police Department P.R.I.D.E Academy and the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties.
Volunteers and donations are welcome, Turney said.
The building is named for former Miller County Extension Agent John Measel. It is two blocks from Texarkana Ark., High School as well as a few other schools, giving it to easy access for after-school activities.
P.R.I.D.E Academy was created as a diversion program for economically and socially disadvantaged at risk youth to learn life, people and behavioral coping skills.
The organization is excited to have a place for the kids to do activities such as learn computer skills or play basketball in the gymnasium, said Officer Kristi Bennett.
The gym will probably be the part of the building completed first, Turney said.
The Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties is also interested in being housed in the building. With programs such as GED prep, college prep, computer literacy and English as a second language, this would provide an education hub in the downtown area that would be open to the public.
The building will also house a teaching kitchen that arose from the need to provide knowledge and techniques to promote nutritious and cost effective meals for local families.