The Cherokee County School Board has approved leasing the former gymnasium at Hickory Flat Elementary School to Cherokee County government for community recreation purposes.

The School Board voted unanimously to approve an agreement under which the county will pay $1 a year for 50 years to lease the gym at Hickory Flat, 2755 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton, and assume responsibility for its maintenance, school officials said.

The district has maintained the school’s original gym since the community decided four years ago to discontinue its use in favor of the modern, air-conditioned gym, officials said.

Addressing rumors at the School Board’s Aug. 16 meeting, Chair Kyla Cromer said demolishing the old gym “was never part of our plan.” Comer said the facility is in good condition and holds many memories. “We’re very happy and proud to approve this agreement. We were never going to tear it down.”