Back in the late 70's and early 80's, Carbon County which is located in southern Wyoming had a big coal mining boom. Most of the towns in the county enjoyed a good local economy because of these coal mines. Houses were cropping up everywhere as well as businesses, entertainment and things like recreation centers. Hanna, WY enjoyed a great deal of this love and attention because this is where the coal mines were actually located. Then reality set in and and nearly all mining operations ceased and the county went into a major recession. Many houses in these counties were simply empty husks. Since Hanna was enjoying the love so much it also got the worst end of the deal too. The town is virtually a ghost town now with few mining operations in place.
The Hanna Rec Center was built when things were affluent in Hanna. Now people wonder why it is still there and not closed. To tell you the truth I am glad it is not closed. What would people do? I am not originally from Hanna. I am from a town farther south, Saratoga, WY. Hanna is not all that far (by Wyoming standards) and it is kind of nice to go here. They have very nice basketball courts, racquetball courts, a game room and a very nice swimming pool. Usually if people want to go to a rec center they would probably go to the one located in Rawlins but I am sure there are more people there and you would have to pay more to go in. Sometimes you are the only one at the rec center here(not including the desk person) in Hanna and it is sometimes nice to be by yourself without a bunch of noise. read more
