Construction progress being made on Lakin Community Center site

MALVERN -  The footings are in and the underground infrastructure is coming together at the construction site for the Charles E. and Florence M. Lakin Community Center on the Mills County Fairgrounds.

The 16,000 square-foot facility will be located near the main entrance to the fairgrounds. The climate-controlled building will be utilized for a variety of fair activities, including project judging, queen pageant, working exhibits, bingo and other entertainment. With the capacity to seat up to 800 people, the community center will also be available throughout the year for educational programs, community events and private functions. The Mills County Extension Office will also be housed in the building.

“It’s exciting,” Glenwood Fair Board Building Committee member Chad McCollester said. “It’s going to change the dynamics of the fair and extension services to both children and adults.”

Construction is projected to be completed  next summer, but the building won’t be available for occupancy until after the 2017 Mills County Fair.

McCollester and fellow building committee member Woody Wright  said the facility will rival any other community center in southwest Iowa. The fair board has already fielded inquiries from potential patrons interested in renting the building for private events.

McCollester and Wright noted that donations are still being accepted to help furnish the building, which carries a price tag of $2.75 million.

“We’re still needing about $300,000,” Wright said. “We’ve got some debt we’re going to have to carry.”

McCollester and Wright spearheaded the successful capital campaign for the facility, raising $2.5 million. Funding includes $1 million from the Charles E.  and Florence M. Lakin Foundation, a $480,000 Vision Iowa Community Attractions and Tourism grant and numerous donations from private individuals, families and organizations.

“Donations are still coming in from people that can see it is really happening now,” Wright said. “People have donated to this project because they have a vested interest in it. Every donation is appreciated, no matter the amount.”

Any person or organization interested in donating to the project should contact McCollester (712-525-9201) or Wright (402-740-4028).