Historic Gym Renovated and Re-Opened After 21 Years Locked-Away

In downtown Del Rio, the Cody Wardlaw Memorial Gymnasium was dedicated in 1951 and became home to the then Del Rio Wildcats. Learn about one career educator’s emotional connection to the gym’s history as it reopens its doors after 21 years abandoned.

Eddie Martinez 8 months ago 0

In downtown Del Rio, the Cody Wardlaw Memorial Gymnasium was dedicated in 1951 and became home to the then Del Rio Wildcats. For over 50 years it would facilitate basketball games, volleyball games, physical education classes, and other essentials for student athletics.

But in 2004, the brand new Del Rio Middle School campus, and its two fresh gyms, concentrated student activities away from the now-decaying Cody Wardlaw Memorial. Its doors were chained and windows boarded — put out of use indefinitely…

Until now.

On Monday, September 15, a ribbon cutting ceremony heralded a second-wind for the historic space. Cheers from student-athletes re-christened the newly renovated walls inside Cody Wardlaw Memorial Gym after 21 years of silence.

Watch the VIDEO above for a story about one career educator’s emotional connection to the gym’s history.