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Published Saturday, February 14, 2009 in Local

Grantville recreation building is named for Clements, Malcolm

By Jeff Bishop

The Times-Herald

Grantville's recreation building on Griffin Street has been named The Willie L. Clements, Jr. and John A. Malcolm Community Center by the Grantville City Council.

Malcolm, a businessman, and Clements, a retired police officer, both served on the Grantville City Council and are prominent members of the Grantville and local African-American communities.

The Grantville Recreation Board made the recommendation, and Ruby Evans Hines of Clarence McCambry Road presented it to the council. Hines has been active in recreation efforts in Grantville over the years.

"They served on the council for a number of years and Mr. Clements was the third black elected official," said Hines.

"They worked faithfully with the Recreation Board to get the parks equipped and to get the sidewalks and a lot of other things," said Hines.

"We feel they are deserving of the honor," she said. "It's a good thing to give flowers while we live. We want to let them know that we really appreciate all they've done. Now that they're retired, we just want to say, 'thank you.' We think naming the building after them is a great way to do that."

The council decision was unanimous.

"I would love to gather some of the stories that are specific of what these men did for the community," said Councilman Nick Sasso. "We could put it in the newspaper to make sure that these don't become some random, faceless names." Hines agreed to assist the council in this regard.

A $25,000 local assistance grant helped to fund the Griffin Street pool house/ recreation center with the first state money awarded to the city in approximately 10 years. The swimming pool was closed some years ago.

The facility -- a recreation building remaining unfinished since an original 2006 completion date was postponed after refurbishment problems -- has undergone renovations to make it suitable for recreation programs, church gatherings and family reunions. The pool house, often a subject of community concern, had been falling further into disrepair after the project stalled about one and a half years ago.

Renovations included redoing the plumbing, replacing old wallboard, and putting in new carpet, heating and air conditioning, and a counter and sink.

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