James Simmons wants to give back to the community he grew up in.

He is trying to build an exercise facility for people in the area to use.

“My idea is to start it as a gym like a little small YMCA. As membership grows, and we get grants, it can become more of a community center,” said Simmons.

Simmons mentioned the community center could possibly have a pool and classrooms where continuing education classes can be held.

Users of the gym would pay a monthly fee.

A recent meeting about the topic was held in the Tyrrell County Public Library.

“I wanted to do that to see if people thought just a plain gym would work. If I could, then there might be some way I could rent a building, buy equipment and start that way. Then buy some land and build a building,” said Simmons.

The plan for the facility is to start it as a non-profit.

“It will need donations and fundraisers to make a difference,” said Simmons.

The plan is to call the facility the Claud Jones Center after Simmons’ grandfather.

The mission statement of the center would be “to provide the community with a service that promotes social responsibility, healthy living, youth development, and continuing education.”