A group that established a staple in Jefferson will soon dissolve.

People Active in County Exercise (PACE) started as a non-profit group in 1983 with a mission to build a community center. PACE Board member Chris Durlam says in 1990, the group received a $600,000 gift from the Margaret May Peters estate, which kick-started the $2.8 million fundraising campaign. Durlam adds that the Greene County Community Center was built in November of 1998.

He told the Jefferson City Council at their meeting last week that PACE has since continued to help fund needed repairs and improvements to the facility. However, the PACE Board agreed that they have served their purpose and looked to the Council to continue providing funds that they have in reserve. The Council accepted the funds from PACE. City Administrator Mike Palmer appreciates the work the group has done.

“It’s a wonderful gift. Over the years and how much PACE has given and this is just kind of like the grand finale for us. There’s some needs over at the rec center right now that will be up to their park and rec board to make those recommendations what they are. When you see these people (PACE Board members) just thank them so much for what they’ve done for this community.”

There is about $147,000 in certificate of deposits at Home State Bank, as well as investments. The City plans to establish a PACE Community Foundation line item in the budget for any repairs at the community center.