GIRARDVILLE — The president of the Girardville Basketball Association asked for the community's help with a mural project at the local James J. Rhodes Community Center.
At Wednesday's City Council meeting, Paul Kovalik, the association's president, discussed plans to install murals honoring hometown heroes inside the city-owned gym.
The GBA, a youth basketball league, welcomes more than 300 youth from throughout Schuylkill County to its program each year.
The association, which has a multi-decade lease with the city, is responsible for renovating and maintaining the gym and is always looking for ways to improve it, Kovalik said.
The first mural planned for the site is an 8 x 3.5 foot image of GBA founder Jack Travis. A native of Girardville, Travis was an accomplished local baseball player and coach.
“Girardville has a rich history of sports people,” Kovalik said. “If anyone has any suggestions, maybe we can decorate the entire gym with murals like this.”
According to him, GBA is looking for donors to commission the project. Donors' names will be listed on plaques next to each mural.
“We need your help to make this vision a reality,” Kovalik said. “The gym is a landmark in Girardville. It promotes local history and culture, and we want to beautify the gym by doing that. We ask people to be willing to make a difference.”
Kovalik also provided an update on ongoing repairs and upgrades.
Crews are working to repaint the gym and remodel the entrance, he said.
“We have all the walls painted,” he said. “We have banners on them, and they essentially hide the imperfections of the walls.”
Looking to the future, the association is seeking a bid to install steel siding on the building's façade.
Created in 1962, the GBA was originally intended only for Girardville athletes. However, in 2005, at the suggestion of Rhodes, it was expanded to include athletes from throughout Schuylkill County.
Also Wednesday, the City Council approved dates for the Halloween parade and other events.
The parade will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 26, followed by a celebration parade at the area's basketball courts at 4 p.m.
The evening of sweets will take place from 18:00 to 20:00 on October 31.
