Polk Countys new adult day care center will be named after Don and Betsy Freeman.
County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to name the center after the Freemans, who commissioners said worked tirelessly for years to help keep assisted living patients in their homes and out of residential facilities.
Commissioner Warren Watson lead discussions on naming the facility by saying hed like to honor some folks who went above and beyond to make the facility come to a reality.
“Don and Betsy Freeman worked tirelessly over many years to keep folks from having to go to assisted living,” Watson said. “Unfortunately, Don did not live to see this project.”
Don Freeman died in December and was buried on his 80th birthday, Watson said. The Freemans rallied Polk County to help provide a space for an adult day care center.
Commissioners all agreed to call the facility the Don and Betsy Freeman Adult Day Care, encompassing both the Freemans first names.
Construction of the new center was on schedule until recent heavy rainfall.
Commissioners were updated Monday night that the construction has been delayed due to the weather.
The adult day care center will be located in the rear building of the former Carolina Classical School, which the county purchased. The county moved its Meeting Place Senior Center to the front building.
Renovations to the building have begun and the center could open in early March. The county plans to contract with Rutherford Life Services for operation of the center. The company runs a similar facility in Rutherford County.
Polk County Manager Ryan Whitson told commissioners the opening date will depend solely on the weather from this point on. Painting of the interior of the building has been completed and the sprinkler system has been installed.
However, work on a new road and canopy outside has been put on hold due to the rain. Restroom and shower renovations also need to be completed prior to the facility opening and the county must obtain state certification.