History of the Bayview Community Center Foundation
Building the Center
In 1991 the Bayview Community Center project was conceived by the Bayview Chamber of Commerce after the Bayview Schoolhouse was condemned. Several local residents, including Hobart Jenkins, Liz Justis, Barbara Malnorich, and Ernie Simpson, each contributed $100 to file incorporation papers for The Bayview Community Center Foundation.
An election was held to form a Community Center taxing district, but the election failed and other means were sought to finance the project.
Several grant sources were contacted. Most grants required matching funds and would not pay for a land purchase so in January of 1991 Charles and Gail Waller donated half an acre to the Foundation to be used for a Community Center. This property had been in the Wallers’ family for years, owned by Jim and Mary Feely in the 1940s and 50s, then Charles and Alyce Thompson, and finally Charles and Gail Waller. The Wallers would later donate an additional parcel of land, on the west half of the current property, to be used as a park.
Improvements
The Bayview Community Center Foundation has continued to make improvements to the Center since its completion in 1995. Recent additions include an upgraded deck for outdoor entertaining, a small community library, a projector and speaker system, additional storage on both levels, and the creation of the Bayview Memorial Gardens and Memorial Wall.
Add to the Story
Do you know an interesting fact about the construction or history of the Bayview Community Center? Did you volunteer? Do you have photos from an event that took place at the Center? Please send a message and tell us all about it. Because ultimately, our story is your story.