The City of LaFayette is investing in the future of its youth wrestling program with the construction of a new dedicated facility, providing a permanent home for a program that has grown significantly over the past decade.
The LaFayette City Council approved a $659,000 project during its June meeting to construct the new wrestling facility using Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds designated for recreational improvements.
The building will be located near the Villanow Street entrance to the city’s Pollinator Trail and will also include an outdoor ADA-accessible restroom that will serve both the wrestling facility and trail users.
City officials said construction costs will be reduced by using an existing steel building frame already owned by the city, along with in-house labor whenever possible. City Project Manager Clay Tracy, who recently oversaw the construction of Traverse Park, is managing the project.
The LaFayette Recreation wrestling program was established nearly 10 years ago to help develop young athletes before they advance to middle and high school wrestling programs. The program began in a small space at the former ShopRite shopping center before relocating several times between the Old High School Gym and Max Stoker.
Participation has steadily increased over the years. More than 100 wrestlers enrolled in the program last season, representing a 25 percent increase from the previous year.
The program has also enjoyed competitive success, producing multiple state champions across various age groups and divisions while working closely with local schools to provide a smooth transition into school athletics.
As participation continued to grow, city officials said the program outgrew its existing practice space, creating the need for a larger, permanent facility.
Site preparation is already underway, and construction is expected to be completed this winter.
City leaders say the new building will not only accommodate the program’s continued growth but also strengthen youth athletics in LaFayette by providing wrestlers with a dedicated training space for years to come.