BERKELEY – In the center of the Manitou Park section of town is the Robert L. Taylor Community Basketball Courts, a gathering place for youth and families year round. Next to it is a former schoolhouse that officials hope will one day be a community center.
The location makes sense because this is where people gather anyway. But there’s also a historic aspect.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) recently announced that the federal budget includes “$1,490,000 to restore, renovate, and revitalize the historic Manitou Park Schoolhouse, which served only African American students and is the only remaining building in Berkeley with ties to the civil rights movement.”
This might seem like ancient history, but it’s not. Part of Third Avenue was extended recently and people living there will live on Charles Parker, Sr. Avenue. It was named after Charlie “Pops” Parker who worked security at the courts. He attended the school during segregation and he passed away at 97 in 2020. This is part of the neighborhood’s collective memory and family stories.
The school itself is unsafe to enter. For years, officials have sought grant funding to fix it up without costing taxpayers. Its historic nature opens the door for certain kinds of funding, but a lot needs to be done.
Mayor John Bacchione said that the town went out to bid to get the historic building in working condition and the cost was in the millions.
“We have about $900,000,” he said. With the additional $1,490,000, the town can start Phase 1, which includes the roof, siding, and part of the inside.
According to an agenda item from a meeting a few years ago, the scope of work for this project includes: hazardous materials abatement, restoration of historic double-hung windows, installation of new windows, exterior door replacement, removal of flooring layers and replacement of damaged flooring, replacement of main entrance porch/stair system, replacement of east stair enclosure addition, replacement of existing roofing, installation of stud and joist sistering at perimeter walls and first floor structure, removal of existing mechanical ductwork and installation of new exhaust fans, removal of all lighting fixtures and exit signage, and exterior painting at windows, doors, and wood components.
