Hendrix Park Gymnasium reopens after EF-4 tornado devastation

ELLABELL, Ga. (WTOC) - In 2022, a deadly EF-4 tornado ripped through north Bryan County, destroying many homes and buildings, including the Hendrix Park Gymnasium in Ellabell. But after years of being closed, the gym is back open to you and your family.

The tornado caused approximately $30 million in damage to the area, leaving residents devastated about the loss of a facility that had been central to their community for years.

“It wiped out our whole part, all the houses that you see over there… our gym here was devastated,” said Carter Infinger, Bryan County Commission Chairman.

The rebuilding process took a year and a half of construction and years of planning. For many residents, the wait felt endless.

The gymnasium’s closure impacted not only recreational activities but also rentals and other community events that depended on the facility.

“It took a long time, and people were frustrated,” said Infinger. “And it took this gym, and it really hurt the community.”

The project became historic for Georgia—Infinger noted that this was the largest insurance claim in the history of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia.

The new and improved facility

The newly reopened gymnasium features significant upgrades, including:

• A brand-new basketball court
• New restrooms
• Tinted windows
• Two new side entrances

The improvements have been well-received by community members excited about the enhanced facility. “It’s nice to have something to do,” said Jacob Miller, student at Bryan County High School.

And it shows that the community can come together in times of need.

“We can control what we do after,” said Rodney Johnson II, resident.

Basketball season is already underway, and students in the county have already played games at the new facility. More events are expected to take place at the gymnasium in the coming months and years.