BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Bay Minette residents were introduced to a new city endeavor this week with a tour of the Douglasville High School Heritage and Recreation Center.

Held in the former high school that’s located in the Douglasville community, the tour included free barbecue and an informational session.

That session is a result of efforts from Project Safe Neighborhood, which brought the idea to the Bay Minette City Council last fall. Upon review of the idea, the council agreed to move ahead with the project.

According to Bay Minette Mayor Jamie Tillery, that process includes getting permission from the Baldwin County Board of Education, which owns the property, to use the school’s gymnasium and adjoining classrooms.

“This request is to use this portion of the school for the provision of community services, with a focus on summer educational and developmental programs,” she stated in a letter provided to tour attendees. “We know that many of our residents attend the educational facilities of the Baldwin County Board of Education, and we truly recognize the importatnce of facilitating the educational, recreational and performing-arts activities to our youth and adult citizens.”

According to the information packet, several entities have signed on to the project. In addition to PSN, they include Men of the Coalition, Volunteers of America South East Inc., Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Knowledge Network, Operation ROC, Baldwin County Community Alliance, Area Women’s Action Group and Habitat for Humanity.

During this week’s tour, Habitat Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator Alex Cary said that in addition to establishing a north Baldwin office in the center, the organization would contribute to refurbishing the facility.

“We also offer educational classes and home-maintenance classes,” she said. “There’s a lot we bring to the table.”

The school board is slated to consider the city’s request of using Douglasville High when it meets next month. During this week’s tour, District 2 Rep. Bob Wills announced that he would support the project.

“This is a terrific effort and concept,” he told tour attendees. “I applaud everyone who’s a part of this. If there’s anything I can do to assist, I’d be happy to do so.”