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Rock Creek Community Center leaders seek county support after repairs and growing bookings
Summary
Rock Creek Community Center board members told the court the center is seeing regular events, recent plumbing and roof repairs, active fundraising and grant pursuit, and a need for further capital work on windows and attic insulation to preserve the historic building.
Kim Davis, a board member of the Rock Creek Community Center, updated the Gilliam County Court on April 15 about increasing community use, recent repairs and ongoing capital needs for the historic schoolhouse‑turned‑community center.
"As soon as we started opening the doors more... it just got everyone talking," Davis said, describing monthly public events, private rentals and an upcoming prom. She told the court the board recently completed a plumbing repair that restored hot water to kitchen and wash sinks and estimated that repair at about $5,000–$6,000.
Davis said boards and volunteers have pursued multiple funding sources: alumni donations, a raffle that raised $1,700, an Oregon bottle‑drop match program that is beginning to generate contributions, and grant workshops through the Oregon Cultural Trust. The board has 501(c)(3) certification and recently completed a round of historic‑preservation paperwork that will make the center eligible for additional capital grants.
On capital needs, the board is evaluating window replacement options and has received initial bids suggesting wood windows may be more expensive up front but longer‑lasting; they are also weighing insulating glass options and bird‑safety treatments. The gym roof repair has been completed, and the board said attic work, interior painting and some window work remain priorities.
The board asked the court to consider capital grant support and noted strong community interest: events have drawn participants from multiple counties, alumni in their 70s–90s, and local homeschool and civic groups.
The court did not take immediate action but heard the update and was asked to consider funding avenues as the board finalizes cost estimates and grant applications.
