Though ambitious plans for major renovations to the Mineola Civic Center have been put on hold, the board of the non-profit facility plans to continue making improvements on a smaller scale.

Board president David Collett said at the annual meeting last week that there are some good projects coming up, and it is an exciting time for the civic center.

Outgoing President Pam Thurman said the board knew the $3 million plan was ambitious, but the extreme rising costs and supply chain issues – which are unprecedented – made the project unfeasible.

Instead, facility chairman John Fuller said, the board will tackle one room at a time while also making improvements to the grounds.

Already one project to spruce up the entryway has begun, with the first phase completed and the second phase to include asphalt repair, columns and artwork.

Improvements around the grounds are also ongoing, such as removing stumps and some trees that were encroaching on the building.

Seating is coming to the splash park, and the center’s website has been upgraded with a calendar.

The center is nearing the end of the year with expectations to be in the black, with $344,000 in income and $303,000 in expenses.

The center, which receives no government funds, is supported by $200,000 per year from the Meredith Foundation and the rest from facility and RV rentals and from donations through an annual fund.

Thurman noted the facility survived the winter 2021 storm in good shape but did lose some trees.

The Junk in the Trunk sale has become an anchor event for the center and will be held twice each year, in March and September.

The successful daddy-daughter dance will be followed up with a moms and sons dance, Thurman noted.

The board will be looking at repairs to the sign along N. Pacific St. and needs to make improvement to internet wifi and is looking at providing some premium RV spots for an additional fee.

The board bid farewell to members George Assaf, Jeanette Castleberry and Fuller, who have completed the maximum six years on the board (two terms).

New board members welcomed include Ross Harle, Bobby Madsen, Brenda Martinez, Raul Martinez, Pat Searight and Mark Chamblee.