\Welcome to the heart of south Bunnell. The George Washington Carver Community Center is more than just a facility—it is a living landmark, a hub of opportunity, and a vibrant gathering place for families, neighbors, and youth across Flagler County. Guided by our rich history and a passion for progress, we are dedicated to building a brighter, stronger, and more connected community.
Our Mission & Vision
At the G.W. Carver Community Center, our mission is to empower individuals and enrich lives by providing access to exceptional educational, recreational, and community services, providing a safe place in Flagler County for children and residents to fellowship, play, grow, and learn.
Supported by the G.W. Carver Foundation, we envision a community where every resident—from young scholars to senior citizens—has the tools, support, and experiences they need to thrive and achieve their maximum potential.
A Model of Community Collaboration
What makes the G.W. Carver Community Center truly unique is the powerful spirit of collaboration that keeps our doors open and our programs running. The center is funded and supported through a dedicated interlocal agreement between four major local government and civic entities:
- Flagler County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
- Flagler County School Board
- City of Bunnell
- Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
This unprecedented partnership ensures that our community receives top-tier resources, safe facilities, robust educational backing, and localized support right here in Bunnell. To help guide this collaborative mission, the facility is advised by the G.W. Carver Center Advisory Committee. This dedicated committee brings together representatives from all of the above entities alongside passionate community members who work hand-in-hand to support, advocate for, and shape the future of the center.
A Legacy of Resilience & Partnership
Our story begins in 1949, when the George Washington Carver High School was built on Drain Street to serve Flagler County’s Black students during the era of segregation. For nearly two decades, it stood as a proud beacon of education and community pride.
Following desegregation and county-wide shifting, the high school ultimately closed its doors, and much of the original campus was dismantled over the years. However, the historic gymnasium remained. In 2010, when budget constraints threatened the survival of the gym, our community stood together. Local citizens, advocates, and leaders formed a powerful grassroots coalition to save, restore, and breathe new life into the structure.
To formally protect and sustain this vital asset, a landmark interlocal partnership was established between the Flagler County School Board and Flagler County in 2011, ensuring the gym’s daily operations and future.
As our community’s needs grew, this foundational agreement was revisited and significantly expanded. The updated partnership officially welcomed the City of Bunnell and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, integrating the Police Athletic League (PAL) into the center’s core fabric. This collaboration infuses the center with expanded youth sports, mentorship opportunities, and long-term sustainability.
What We Do: Programs & Services
We meet the diverse needs of Bunnell and Flagler County residents through targeted, high-impact programming:
- Youth & Education: We foster academic growth and confidence through our Summer Literacy programs (combining reading, math, and the arts), as well as a variety of summer camps and specialized after-school youth development activities.
- Health & Senior Services: We host vital community health initiatives, family support services, and Senior Social Hours to keep our older residents engaged and connected.
- Recreation & Wellness: In partnership with PAL, our sports programming provides local youth and adults a safe, positive outlet for athletic growth, competitive tournaments, and teamwork.
Our Facilities
Through a shared vision for community development, our center features updated, state-of-the-art spaces designed for gathering, learning, and playing. Our facilities include:
- The Historic Gymnasium: Featuring our recently renovated gym floor, providing a premier, high-quality playing surface for local sports leagues, PAL tournaments, open gym hours, and youth activities.
- Game Room
- Flex Rooms: Multipurpose and meeting rooms adaptable for various events, classes, and community gatherings.
- Computer Lab
- Outdoor Basketball Court (Flagler County)
Need a space for an event, meeting, or game? Our classrooms] and gym space are available for community rental.
Get Involved
The G.W. Carver Community Center is built by the community, for the community. Whether you want to enroll your child in a program, attend an event like our annual Juneteenth Festival, volunteer your time, or make a tax-deductible donation through the G.W. Carver Foundation, there is a place for you here.
Visit Us Today!