Parkside Activities Center Steering Committee
Answers the Tough Questions

Members of the Parkside Activities Center Steering Committee say they have been answering many tough questions regarding the new community building. “These questions have many origins,” indicates member Tom Buckwalter. “They are really great questions that we are addressing. Unfortunately some are fuelled by some misinformation or misunderstanding.”  Regardless of their source, all members believe the questions demonstrate the benefit of a small community where everyone talks to everyone and as a sign that there is a growing interest in this project as the fundraising efforts draw ever closer to an end.

“The first question most people ask is why it has to be so expensive,” notes Allen Leichty. Members of the committee are quick to point out that the purpose of this project from the beginning was to get the most “bang” for the buck. In a town the size of Wellman, the opportunity to build will likely happen once, and great effort was taken to get it right the first time. Since a majority of funding for this project is coming through grants, obtaining additional grants to expand in the future will be more difficult.

Tom Buckwalter added that this question also pertains to the building materials used to construct the facility. “Several concerns have arisen from the belief that the building was completely brick.” The reality is that the exterior is pre-cast concrete and pre-engineered steel. Combining the ideas of long-term maintenance, energy-efficiency and cost of construction, this is believed to be the most cost-effective way to build.

While not a member of the Steering Committee, Mayor Ryan Miller reports hearing the question at City Hall, “Why can’t we just build something with the money we have raised?”  Committee members are quick to point out that most of the grant money obtained hinges upon local matches. This means that if the project is scaled back at this point, much of the grant money would be scaled back or taken away altogether. To reduce the scope of this project at any level would leave organizers seeking a level of local donations similar to that which is currently required.

“Many community members believe that we can only build if the money is in hand,” says local citizen Pat Freeman. “The reality is that we can work on pledges made whether they are scheduled to be paid one time or over a three-year period.”

Freeman’s husband Bob adds that he has had conversations with community members about the costs associated with operation of the facility. “They note some other communities that continue to rely on donations to cover costs of such facilities.” The Steering Committee has done a great deal of work to complete this project without letting this happen in Wellman. First is by forging a “tenant” relationship with the Day-care. Second is by contracting management to an experienced and reputable non-profit organization in the YMCA. Third is through opportunities to contract with professionals such as physical therapists to bring services to Wellman. There is also the potential to work with schools to use space that matches their needs. Finally, the Wellman Area Foundation has begun to investigate establishment of an endowment after the money has been raised to build the facility

“These questions are so important, and we know there are more that maybe we aren’t hearing.” Said Allen Leichty. “Whatever they are, we want to hear them and hope we can answer them all…if we can’t, we’ll work to find those answers, because we’re running close to the end.”  Buckwalter and Leichty both stressed they are more than willing to answer any questions.

The Wellman Area Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit corportation which was created by local citizens to assist in the development of an activities center, and designed to serve the needs of the entire community for this project, as well as others as community needs arise.