The Clermont Recreation Club hosted an open house at Kehlor Park, a precious gem nestled in Historic Downtown Clermont
Club members wanted to give the community an opportunity to see the 100-year old building, located at 466 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont before it is torn down. The structure has been used for meetings and recreational activities for many years.
The city of Clermont owns and maintains the property which includes tennis and shuffleboard courts, as well as the aging recreation center. The building will cost more to repair than to replace; thus the existing building will be demolished after a new facility is built.
Nothing but the name will remain the same.
The new building, which should be completed in late 2018 or early 2019 will be larger, have exterior access to restrooms, and include central air conditioning!
The Recreation Club is a non-profit organization offering an array of activities at Kehlor Park while lovingly protecting the property’s history.
The facility is open 7-days a week offering activities which include Scrabble, Bridge, Dominos, Samba, Duplicate Bridge, Philosophy Club, Bunco, and Pinochle.
The volunteers are especially proud of its shuffleboard courts which bring shuffleboard players from all over Florida to compete in matches and tournaments.
Since April 2017, shuffleboard volunteers at Kehlor Park have hosted individuals with developmental disabilities from Building Blocks Ministries. What started as an eight-week program has evolved into an ongoing activity. The group from Building Block Ministries continues to come every Wednesday to the courts to learn the game of shuffleboard while having fun. Member Jean Swope confided that the Club has gotten far more from the experience than they could have imagined.
Membership is open to all adults although the majority of the member are seniors”, said Peggy Drane, a board member. “Dues are $10 a year which goes toward supplies for the different activities. The Club adds additional activities as the interest arises”.
During the open house, board member Marvin (Jake) Jacobson, presented the first annual Coleda Hudson Award to Doris Kostrzewa in recognition of her dedication to the club and her willingness to help in many capacities for the club’s success. Jake said that Doris had exceeded expectations as in the tradition of Coleda Hudson.
For additional information, visit https://backup.sltablet.com/2018/01/08/kehlor-park-old-fashioned-appeal-historic-downtown-clermont/
