The Town Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing purchase of the Clayton Fitness property at 1370 Cameron Way to expand Parks and Recreation and senior services in Clayton.

Economic Development Director Joe Stallings described the property, saying it is currently occupied by Clayton Fitness and is owned by Patricia Durham and her late husband, Larry. "The tax value is a little over $3,100,000 and sits a little off of Highway 70 ... a little bit more than 20,000 square feet," Stallings said.

Interim Parks and Recreation director Bob Riddick told the council the building provides gym space, multipurpose rooms and parking that could relieve overcrowding at the town’s community center. "We have a facility with 1 gym right now, which is not much for us, you know, town our size," Riddick said, noting the town’s needs identified in its parks and recreation master plan.

Funding and approvals: Council members and staff said Representative Donna White and Senator Ben Sawyer/"Benton Storey" (as referenced in the transcript) helped secure approximately $1 million in state grant funding toward the purchase. Stallings said the town will apply a portion of 2018 parks bond proceeds and available fund balance to complete the acquisition; staff also said a resolution would allow for future debt if additional economic opportunities arise.

Council procedure and outcome: A motion to adopt Resolution 2025-586 (initially stated as an ordinance, later corrected to a resolution in the record) passed on a voice vote after a motion and a second were recorded. Councilors recognized the family who owned the property and state delegates who helped secure grant funding.

Next steps and community input: Staff announced an on-site public event for the property on Wednesday the 29th from 4–7 p.m. for residents to tour the facility and provide input about programming. The resolution authorizes acquisition; the transcript does not specify purchase price, closing date, or full renovation costs.