Chaloner Recreation Center, which was left a shell following August flooding, is expected to reopen by the middle of February.

Repairs to the building were made possible by an $80,000 appropriation by council last month.

Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said new doors will be installed next week and following that new heating, air and electrical will be installed.

Once the city went through the insurance process and it was determined it would not be covered, council stepped in with the appropriation to cover parks and recreation facilities damaged in the flooding.

Flood certification showed the recreation center was located 121.5 feet above mean sea level, Simeon said, meaning the creek that flooded was that much below the mean sea level.

Because of this, the heating and air system will be installed at 125 feet above mean sea level. Two feet of water rushed into the building.

The repairs of the building will bring a new electrical system. “Because of the age of this building we were no longer able to get parts,” Simeon said. “It will have a new heating and air system.”

The heating and air replacement means the baseboard heating in the building will be used as a secondary heating source. The building will also get new tables and computers, Simeon said.

A popular center in the Southgate Community, parks and recreation moved five events that were affected by the flooding. “No one missed any of their functions. This building is generally reserved every Saturday and most Sundays throughout the year for reunions, birthday parties and family gatherings.”

New sand was brought in for the playground equipment and walking trail, Simeon said. “This is a very active community recreation center and there are a lot of family reunions and class reunions that are held here. All the people who grew up over the years look at this center as the centerpiece for their community. It serves as a reunion place for Chaloner High School alumni.”

The money council appropriated also covered repairs for Hodgestown Day Care and Kirkwood Adams. The roof at Hodgestown was repaired and the city is currently waiting on notification from insurance before moving forward with the Kirkwood repairs.

A reopening ceremony is planned.