Community Center Dream Becoming a Reality in Doniphan

By: Megan Johnson - Email

Updated: Mon 9:51 PM, Oct 08, 2012

Doniphan Economic Development Corporation (DEDC) President Terry Connick says a community center has been a more than decade long dream for them.

"We've done surveys in the community in the last 12 years and in all three surveys the overall number one priority of the area people was they wanted a community center," says Connick.

But the DEDC found itself landlocked, and it wasn't until about a year ago that they were able to buy three acres on the south side of town.

Now they say Doniphan should have a facility that's home to the village office, senior center, and a 350 person reception hall with kitchen by next summer.

"The bids have been let for the construction of the building and we're supposed to review those this week," says Connick, adding that they're projecting the cost to be around $1.8 million.

DEDC Vice President Bob Sherwood says he doesn't think a community center will create a big economic boom in terms of visitors, but he says it will help Doniphan grow and sustain itself in other ways.

"It's nice to maybe be more attractive for businesses to want to relocate here with a building and facility like that," says Sherwood. "We hope to have a little bit more space for some businesses to move to town."

While a 1% sales tax passed three years ago is funding some construction, DEDC officials say they're going to begin a series of fundraisers next month to pay for the rest.

"I think the community is really excited and it's for the whole area not just for the community," says Connick.

Both board members say their fundraising theme and project goal is community unity, and that's why they're confident the community center dream will soon be a reality.

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