Over the last 22+ years volunteers have stepped up over and over again to make improvements to the gym.
The gym contains over 6500 square feet of open floor space with six 600 square foot classrooms on the sides. On the north side is a small, raised, indoor stage. Behind this stage is the large outdoor stage that overlooks a concrete pad which is used as a dance floor during the annual outdoor events.
The gym is by far the largest indoor space available in the Fines Creek, Panther Creek, White Oak and Waterville community. If someone wants to host a dance, large family reunion, large fund raising event or just shoot some hoops, our gym is the only place. Here are some of the improvements these dedicated volunteers have made:
Acoustic Upgrade Blue Ridge Heritage Grant
In 2017 the Fines Creek Community Association wrote a Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership Grant. This grant was to improve the acoustics of the gym.
Repairs to Main Gym
Over the last 13 years FCCA volunteers have scraped, sanded, primed and painted all of the walls. Repaired the plaster where necessary. Repaired damage to the gym floor.
Repairs/Upgrade to gym classrooms
Over the last 13 years, FCCA volunteers have repaired the plaster, sanded, primed, and painted the walls. All of the windows had any broken window panes replaced. Volunteers have removed, restored all of the old historic window sashes to their original condition. Ceiling have been primed and painted. Volunteers have custom painted one wall in the serving room. A new stove, new upper and lower cabinets, and counter tops have been installed in the kitchen area. Volunteers have built a secure storage for the kitchen.
Rain garden/water runoff control
In 2014 Haywood Soil and Water Community Conservation Assistance Program provided a grant for a rain garden next to the gym building. The rain garden was designed to control the water runoff from the gym and parking lot. It was completed as part of another grant from Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership.
1st Baptist Church Volunteers
In 2018 the 1st Baptist Church of Waynesville volunteered to help the Fines Creek Community Association with numerous project in our Community Center.
Front Steps
The left front steps of the gym have been unusable for many years. The 1st Baptist Church of Waynesville spent 4 days volunteering at the community center. One of the projects the undertook was the demolition and removal of the damaged front steps. Bobby Conrad’s Construction then came in and formed and poured new front steps. The new steps were a major accomplishment. The major donors to the step project are recognized by plaques on the steps.
