City of Clinton Faces Backlash Over Proposed Demolition of Girl Scout Hut

City of Clinton Faces Backlash Over Proposed Demolition of Girl Scout Hut

In the charming city of Clinton, South Carolina, local leaders and community members are rallying together in a bid to save a cherished landmark—the Girl Scout Hut on Hickory Street. This beloved gathering spot plays a pivotal role for approximately 100 girls, who rely on the hut for meetings, activities, and a sense of community.

A Heartfelt Hub for Girl Scouts

Stepping inside the Clinton Girl Scout Hut feels like entering a colorful tapestry woven from the memories of countless girls and troop leaders. As you walk through the entrance, you’re greeted by a wall adorned with handprints and signatures, each one telling a story of growth, camaraderie, and adventure. Lynn Arve, the Chief Operating Officer with Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands, emphasized the hut’s significance, stating, “This is where they learn, they grow, they develop. This has really just been the hub of Girl Scouting in Laurens County in this area.”

A Shocking Decision

When it was announced that the City of Clinton planned to vote on the demolition of the hut, Arve felt blindsided. “I was shocked” to hear about it second-hand, she expressed. Curiously, the city had not reached out to the Girl Scouts prior to proposing the action, which left many in the community feeling bewildered.

City Manager Explains the Situation

Reaching out for clarity, local residents learned from City Manager Tom Brooks that the decision to not contact the Girl Scouts stemmed from a focus on liability issues. When asked if anyone from the city had engaged with the Girl Scouts prior to the meeting on August 5, Brooks candidly replied, “No, I don’t think so.” When probed further about whether they should have been informed, he admitted, “Possibly.”

Brooks explained that the city is currently assessing multiple buildings across the region that do not comply with modern building codes. He noted that the Girl Scout Hut was constructed long before these regulations were established, which raises safety concerns.

Safety vs. Community Heart

While safety is undeniably important, the community was quick to point out that the hut remains a vital meeting space. “We want to provide a place for the Scouts to meet, but a safe place for them to meet…I don’t think they’ve used that for a meeting in quite some time,” Brooks mentioned, which Arve contested by clarifying that the building is actively used for meetings, including recent gatherings this summer.

A Temporary Halting

Thanks to Arve’s proactive engagement with the city council during a recent meeting, the decision to demolish the hut has been tabled for now. “For our Girl Scouts and volunteers here in this area, I definitely want them to know that we are standing with them,” Arve assured. This shows the power of community voices coming together for a cause.

A Hopeful Collaboration

In a promising turn of events, Brooks indicated he is open to collaborating with the Girl Scouts to explore cost-effective solutions for bringing the hut up to code. This cooperation could pave the way for enhancing safety while preserving the heart of Girl Scouting in Clinton.

As discussions continue, the residents of Clinton, along with the Girl Scouts, are hoping for a resolution that honors their shared history and ensures the hut remains a place of learning, friendship, and community spirit for generations to come.