Milestones on Mainstreet: Civic Center IS a true Community Building
June 28, 2010 by DDA
Filed under History, Milestones on Main Street, Sparta TODAY Newspaper
Researched by Jayne Paasch and JoAnne VanderWerff
1949
With Harry S. Truman as President of the United States, the Sparta division of the Muskegon Piston Ring Company is looking to donate $25,000 to the Sparta Community Foundation for the purpose of building a community building. Building Committee chairperson, C. Laurence Johnson is working with Glenn Bradford, Roger Williams, John Feichtenbiner, Paul McFall, and Wm. A. Rogers on obtaining proposals for the new building. The Building Committing will have a lot to consider to add to the building including large dining room, stage, foyer, and kitchen. Sparta Rotary Club will be spearheading the fundraising efforts with the cooperation from other local clubs.
Plans are being discussed that include the building costing approximately $75,000. However after research of other community buildings and years of discussions, the decision is found that a building that expensive will not be practical.
1955
The committee continues to consult with various architects and contractors, and in 1955, submits a plan costing between $30,000 and $35,000. The committee members include Guy Curtis, Mrs. Joe Brooks, Mrs. Walter Ebers, Floyd Buege, and Robert Lee. Private funds will most likely be raised from local businesses such as Extensole and private contributors. If funds can be raised, construction may begin as early as the fall of 1955 by Gust Construction.
Question have come up for the community for the policy and regulation of using the community building. What will be the rental fee? Is the primary question on everyone’s mind. Nominal charges will be expected to cover the cost of heat, light, and other expenses. The maintenance and upkeep will be provided by rentals and the community foundation funds.
Building will most likely be used by community groups such as the Ladies Literacy Club, Garden Club, Rotary Club, Senior Neighbors, Senior Meals Programs, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Girls Scouts, as well as benefit dances, receptions, and family reunions.
Last weeks edition of the Sentinel Leader, the February 22, 1956 edition, mentioned the fund drive has gone “over the top”. Work on the building is well along. They are planning an open house on Tuesday, May 15th and are expecting a crowd of over 300 community members. Comments that people have made who have had a chance to see the building include, “The Terrazzo floor is beautiful and the room is attractively decorated.” Finally, the new Civic Center is ready for use.
1965
The building is coming in handy for the kindergartners this year, according to the Sentinel leader edition printed on 10/13/1965. Due to the overcrowding of kids at Central Elementary, Kindergarten classes will begin meeting at the Sparta Civic Center.
1984
An addition to the Sparta Civic Center on the West side of the building is proposed for the Sparta Cooperative Pre-School. Financing for the addition may be donated by the Sparta American Post 107 in exchange for lifetime lease of meeting rooms on the north side.
2007
Plans are underway to utilize Community Block Grant Money to add new handicap accessible restroom facilities to the Sparta Civic Center. Funding for the building is sought solely on donations, rentals, and grant money as the Sparta Community Foundation was no longer allowed to own property once it joined with the Grand Rapids Foundation.
Today
The Sparta Civic Center runs with the dedication of volunteer board members including Gary Moody, Deb Simons, Terry Hartman, Jane Bosserd, Greta Heugel, Rachel Shangle, and George Brown. With all the renovations over the past few years including the bathroom addition, renovated kitchen and new equipment, window replacement and facade improvements, the Sparta Civic Center is looking better than ever!
Unfortunately Community Block Grant Money is no longer available to the Civic Center either. Current and future construction and maintenance projects must all be funded by community donations and rental fees. The Civic Center is striving to keep rentals at their low price to cover the cost of utilities and maintenance for the building -$125 for week days, and $400 for a weekend day. Currently, however, this community Civic Center that was built by our community forefathers is in need of donations to stay open to the community groups that currently utilize the building such as the Sparta Little League, Faith’s Walk, Sparta Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Sparta Town & Country Days, and Lions Club to name a few. Donations this year would cover the maintenance and repair of the parking lot, heating repairs, and roof repairs. If you are interested in sending in a donation to the non-profit organization, the Sparta Civic Center to keep our community building available to community groups, please send donations to the Sparta Civic Center PO Box 403 Sparta, MI 49345. Thank you for keeping our community building alive!
The building is currently managed and cleaned by volunteers in the community, Terry & Diane Hartman. If you are interested in renting the building please contact Terry or Diane Hartman at (616) 887-1224. Support our community building by hosting a meeting, reunion, or shower at the hall!
